Mr. Vern grew-up on a central Wisconsin dairy farm, originally owned by his maternal grandparents.  Vern's father graduated from the UW-Madison as a master cheesemaker in the early 1900's and eventually took over the farm while continuing to be a cheesemaker. 

Vernon's mother was a teacher in a rural one-room school for several years.  She encouraged her children to become teachers and both Vernon and his sister completed the two-year rural teaching program.  Vernon worked as a carpenter during the summer months, building houses.  In those days, the draft was in force and Vernon was called to spend two years in military service as a radar and electronics specialist.

After being discharged, Vern obtained an elementary education degree from UW-Stevens Point.  There, he met Mary Jane and the couple married in 1963.  Vern taught elementary school children for three years, then returned to college and obtained his master's in finance and accounting.  Following a long career as an auditor for the federal government in Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, Vern retired in 2002.

In 2006, Vern became a certified master gardener and joined the KELC staff, working part-time. Working with his wife, Mary Jane, Vern helps maintain the KELC campus and gardens and picks up groceries for classroom snacks.  Vern enjoys hearing the children call out greetings to him as he works around campus.     

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