BARNES, Vernon John 1920-2014
BARNES, PARENZA, DORGAN, HARRIS, BAXTER, DAVIS
Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 9/24/2014 at 23:57:39
[Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Friday, March 28, 2014]
Vernon John Barnes died on March 27, 2014, in Eagan, Minn. He was born in South Dakota in 1920, the son of Floyd and Clara Barnes. Vernon grew up in Waterloo, and graduated from St. Mary’s High School. Vern was a World War II veteran; he served in the U.S. Army in northern Europe where he was wounded and eventually lost the sight of one eye. While being treated for his injury at a veterans' hospital in Missouri, he met a young Army nurse named Yolanda “Toni” Parenza, who hailed from Melrose. Bud and Toni were married in 1950 and made their home in Waterloo. He worked as a tool maker/supervisor at John Deere Tractor Works for 40-plus years.
In 2004, Bud and Toni sold their home in Waterloo and moved to McAuley Terrace, a senior living facility in Johnston. After Toni’s death in 2011, Vern moved to Eagan to live with his daughter and son-in-law, Mary Kay and Dan Dorgan, where he was lovingly cared for until his death.
Vernon was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, his parents, and five of his six sisters.
He is survived by his sister, Joan Harris of Placentia, Calif.; his three daughters, Paula (Michael Baxter) of Rosemount, Minn., Susan (Jean Davis) of Des Moines and Mary Kay Dorgan (Dan) of Eagan. Vern was the proud grandfather of Gabriel Barnes Brammer (Macarena Bartolome), Alissa Barnes Brammer (Lanon Baccam), Amanda Dorgan, Molly Dorgan (Matt Kieman) and Andrew Dorgan, as well as the great-grandfather of Violeta and Nicanor Brammer and Theodore John Kieman.
Vern was a gifted carpenter, avid golfer, enthusiastic baseball fan, and stalwart Hawkeye supporter. Above all, he was devoted to his faith and family. One of his nieces aptly described him as a “baby whisperer” for his uncanny ability to soothe even the fussiest infant. He was at his best when caring for his grandchildren and recounting all of their exploits and priceless expressions. We will miss his generous spirit, keen wit, and uncompromising loyalty. Dad, grandpa, brother, you are our hero and we will love you always.
The family extends our thanks to Sister Marta for all her kindness.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, March 31, at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, with visitation one hour before services at the church. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, where there will be full military rites conducted by Waterloo and Evansdale AMVETS Posts 19 and 31, with flag presentation by the Iowa Army Honor Guard. Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service on South Street is in charge of arrangements.
Black Hawk Obituaries maintained by Karen De Groote.
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