Vernon “Vernie” M. Zens, 89, of Epiphany, died Friday, July 1, 2016, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, July 8, at 10:30 a.m. at The Church of Epiphany in Epiphany, with burial to follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery at Artesian. Visitation will begin Thursday, July 7, at 6 p.m. with a scripture and Rosary service at 7 p.m. at the church.
Vernon Matthew Zens was born July 10, 1926, on a farmstead south of Roswell to Paul and Christine (Gassman) Zens. Vernie grew up in the area and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in Epiphany. He began farming with his family and on his cousin Clement Zens’ farm. He was then drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in Korea for two and one-half years and was honorably discharged.
Vernie returned to Epiphany and was united in marriage to Shirley Eillen Goldammer on Aug. 31, 1954, at the Church of Epiphany. He owned and operated a gas station in Artesian and later Roswell. After selling the business, he began working at Clarke Implement in Howard, retiring after 30 years. Vernie enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and sharing a beer with his extended family at the Coon Hunters in Epiphany.
He is survived by his nine daughters, Leoda (Rodney) Rorex of Garden Grove, Calif., Lori (Warren) Bult of South Dakota, Lorraine (Robert) King of Artesian, Jayne (Rodney) Moschell of Howard, Tina (Lorenzo) Rubio of Albuquerque, N.M., Nancy (Mark) Hvam of Canova, Nicelle Burger of Mitchell, Karen (Jason) Nohr of Rapid City, and Maggan (Brian) Krempges of Salem; his two sons, Daryl Zens and Jon (Rebecca) Zens, both of Artesian; 33 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; his sister, Delores Nopens of Mitchell, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Vernie was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Shirley; a son, Steven Basil Zens; four brothers; and three sisters.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.willoughbyfh.com.