Vern Ochsner, 84, of Herreid, SD passed away Wednesday October 14th, 2020 at the Walworth County Care Center in Selby, SD.

Vern was born on the family farm to Emanuel P. and Dorthea (Heinz) Ochsner on July 29, 1936. He attended the Quenzer One-room Farm School for 8 years and graduated from Herreid High School in 1954. He graduated from the National School of Business in Rapid City, SD in 1956. He served in the US Army from 1956 until he was honorably discharged in 1958. Vern was united in marriage to Ethel J. Hofer on June 30, 1959 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Herreid. They made their home on a farm ten miles northeast of Herreid, farming from 1959 through retirement in 2002. They traveled to all 50 States and many countries abroad while spending winters in Arizona.

Vern was involved in numerous local community organizations and often participated with Leadership responsibilities. He was a member and 84th president of the Herreid Jaycees from 1959 through 1971. He was a life-time member of the Artas and Herreid Reformed Churches. He served as Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent, Church Treasurer, and Elder. He attended many Classis and Synod meetings. He was a long-time member of the Herreid Equity Exchange and served as Chairman of the Board. He was Chairman and member of the Campbell County Bank Board of Directors for many years. He was a member of the Campbell County Crop Improvement organization. He was a member of the Herreid Senior Citizens and also Board President. He was also a member of the Campbell County Fire District and served as Vice Chairman since the formation of the local district. He was Vice Chairman of the Linton Community Hospital Board. Vern was very active in the Centennial Committee and all School Reunion committees over the years.

Vern was grateful for having shared his life with Ethel for 61 years. His children Jodie (Jeff) Holm of Denison, IA, Shirley (David) Dalueg of New Ulm, MN, Keith Ochsner of Phoenix, AZ, and Steven (Barbara) Ochsner of Fort Collins, CO. Eight grandchildren: Jessmyn Holm, Joshua Holm, Brooke (Justin) Dauer, Megan Dalueg, Samuel Ochsner, Kate Ochsner, Alexander Ochsner, and Allison Ochsner. Vern is survived by one sister;　 Gladys Giedd, sister-in-laws; Verna Ochsner, and Mavis Klaudt, brother-in-law; Gordon Klaudt. He was preceded in death by sisters; Martha Berreth, Esther Mehlhaff and Lenora Schulz, brothers; Ruben Ochsner, Peter Ochsner, Oscar Ochsner, Marcus Ochsner, and Carl Ochsner, sister-in-law; Renata Ochsner, Delores Ochsner, and Marlena Weber, brother-in-laws; Alvin Berreth, Rupert Mehlhaff, Owen Schulz, and Roger Giedd. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. His grandchildren were the love of his life.

A private family service will be held at the First Reformed Church in Herreid with the Rev. Cody Schwichtenberg officiating. The public is invited to the graveside service to be held Saturday, October 31st, 2020 at 3 PM at the Fairview Cemetery with military graveside rites by the Herreid Legion. Services are under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred of the donor’s choice.

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