Vern Edward Harris, age 89, of Dickens, NE passed away on July 30, 2023 at his home.
Vern was born on March 10, 1934 to Blanche (Lacy) and Harvey Harris at the family farmstead south of Dickens, Nebraska. He was the youngest of four children. He shared some wonderful qualities gifted from both parents. From Blanche, compassion and caring, and from Harvey, humor, wit, and storytelling.
He was endeared by many. He was a father, a friend, and a good neighbor. He was always ready and willing to lend a hand whenever needed. He always made sure the firefighting rig was ready to go, the schoolhouse had heat, and the vehicles were up to snuff. He could do about anything. He was a carpenter, mechanic, electrician, and anything else that was required to get the job done on the farm. He was always there to help out at the church, alongside Ann. He was also the 24-7 on-call maintenance man for all the widows in the community.
The infamous blizzard of '49 proved to be a fateful event. Vern was attending an agricultural high school in Curtis, Nebraska and was home for Christmas when the blizzard came and shut down everything. Unable to get back to school, his pal Pat Aylward suggested he join him at Wallace high school where he met the love of his life, Ann. They would date seven long years before tying the knot because he wanted to be sure he was financially ready to raise a family.
Vern worked long days to build up his farm and ranch, and provided for the family as each of the kids came along. First Scott, then Diana, and lastly by special request of the siblings, youngest sister Melinda.
While in his 40's, after years of dreaming, reading all of Horace Fitch’s aviation magazines and having just sold his calf crop for a good price he drove to Trego Aviation to start his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot, building a landing strip North of Dickens and purchasing an airplane, telling the bank it was practical for checking cattle, tanks and pivots. He very much enjoyed those years flying anywhere he could think Ann and he might like to go. He also loved talking to Gary Trego for hours about flying.
Vern and Ann enjoyed a decade of winters in Arizona reconnecting with high school classmates. Ann called their humble Arizona abode her "dollhouse".
He hauled his last load of corn to the feedlot the Monday before he passed, despite his weakened state and immense pain. He was a man of fortitude and perseverance. If there was work to be done, it must be done!
He is survived by his son Scott (Deborah) Harris of Dickens; daughters Diana (Gerry) Phelps of North Platte and Melinda Harris of Rapid City, SD; six grandchildren, Dan (Lannae) Phelps, Brent (Jessica) Phelps, Tiffany (Ben) Volden, Ashton Harris, Brooke (Charbel) Yubaile and Shanice (Ali) Harris Nooraei. Seven great grandchildren Matthew, Olivia, Oliver, Isabel and Grace Phelps, Elizabeth Volden and Javier Yubaile.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Nora Ann Harris, brother Robert Harris, Sisters Ruth Baker Blomstedt and Zola Ray Mehichar.
Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wallace, NE.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023, at 10 A.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wallace, Nebraska with Father Lorenz as Celebrant. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 3, 2023, from 5:30-7 P.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church prior to Christian Wake services at 7 P.M. Burial will follow Mass at Dickens Cemetery, followed by a lunch at the church. The service will be livestreamed at www.adamsswanson.com for those unable to attend. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.