Obit: Gjerseth, Vernon John/Mary Ann “Larson” (1931/1930 - 2020)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Gjerseth, Peppercorn, Stator, Larson, Elmore

----Source: Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home (Hixton, Jackson Co., WI) 11/30/2020

Gjerseth, Vernon John (1 Apr. 1931 – 13 Nov. 2020) & Gjerseth, Mary Ann (12 Feb. 1930 – 25 Nov. 2020)

Vernon John Gjerseth (89 years of age) Mary Ann “Larson” Gjerseth (90 years of age)

Vernon recently passed away surrounded by family at the Gjerseth residence on November 13, 2020. His wife Mary followed him on November 25, 2020.

Vernon was born April 1, 1931 to Helmer & Louise Gjerseth (Peppercorn) and lived his entire life in the Snow Creek valley of Jackson Co. As a young man Vernon was paid to walk up to the Snow Creek School to start the wood fire early in the mornings. He would then meet the love of his life Mary Larson, who taught at the school.

Mary was born Feb 12, 1930 to Ben and Dorothy (Stator) Larson of Humbird. After high school she attended Eau Claire Teachers College, prior to teaching in Ladysmith and at Snow Creek.

Vernon and Mary were married on July 25th, 1953 and were together for 67 years. They had three children; Dave, Penny, and Barry who helped run the family dairy farm in the Snow Creek area of Black River Fall. Mary continued teaching while focusing her efforts towards educating the intellectually and developmentally disabled students. After selling the family farm, Mary and Vernon ran a group home together which helped take in developmentally challenged men. Mary also continued to teach GED classes in the evenings to help students go back and receive their high school diplomas. In 1981, Vernon and Mary took on a partnership with their son Dave to open the Black River Country Log Homes business. Vernon helped by running errands and operating equipment while Mary assisted with the books. A few years later they sold the group home and built Mary and Vernon’s retirement log home where they have resided for the past 37 years.

In their retirement, Vernon and Mary were regularly visited by their kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and several friends and relatives. Whether stopping by to have dinner, play cards, or catch up on the news, visitors were always invited to enjoy Mary’s cookies, homemade bread and coffee cake. Occasionally guests would walk into their home only to be greeted by Vernon playing the piano on repeat. If there ever was an unguarded piano at a supper club or retirement home, Vernon would love to share his gift to anyone who would listen. He was a regular musical guest at the United Methodist Church where he and Mary belonged. Mary was also active in the UMC women’s group and prayer group.

Outside of their busy lifestyle, Vernon and Mary loved to travel, including several trips to Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, Branson, and several other stops out west. Vernon enjoyed spending his free time on the trails, snowmobiling and four-wheeling with friends and family. During the summertime he would often take his grandchildren out on the ATV trails throughout the area. In the winter when local snow conditions weren’t good enough, Vernon would often take trips out to the Bighorn and Rocky mountains to enjoy this passion. Even when wintering in Mesa, Arizona with Vernon’s sister Martha, Vernon would still call back home for the local snow report, always longing to be riding.

Vernon and Mary were preceded in death by daughter Penny Elmore and great grandson Jayden. Vernon’s siblings Martha, Polly, Bill and Dudley. Mary’s brothers (Bud and Bob).

Vernon and Mary are survived by sons Dave (Kim) and Barry (Karolyn) who reside next to the Gjerseth residence, still located in the Snow Creek valley. Son-in-law Jody Elmore. Grandchildren - Jamie, Brianna (Alex), Garret (Molly), Robert (Stephanie), Jessica (Jonas) and Mitchel. Great-Grandchildren – Isaac, Zachiah, Braiden, Jaxston, Ella and Gracie. Mary’s sisters (Judy and Janet) and brothers (Tom and Jerry)

A private graveside service is being held for family.

A Celebration of Life is planned for a later date.

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