LaVern James Pritchett, 78, passed away October 7, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was born July 26, 1941 to Addie (Wagner) and Charles Pritchett in Opportunity, Nebraska near O’Neill. The oldest of four children, Vern graduated from St. Mary’s High school in 1959 at O’Neill.
Immediately after graduation, Vern’s father talked him into entering the service which he did ten days later. Choosing the army, he became a part of the 3rd Armed Division and was deployed to Frankfurt, Germany where he worked in finance. This was also Elvis Presley’s division, who happened to be leaving just as Vern joined up, so unfortunately he never had a chance to meet him in person.
Upon his discharge in 1962, Vern came back to Lincoln, Nebraska where he worked at Miller and Paine making deliveries for a year but was let go because he didn’t have a chauffeur’s license. Moving back closer to home he then worked at the Grand Island Baking Company where he fried doughnuts for the next eight years.
On January 31, 1972 Vern began his career at the Lincoln Veterans Hospital in the custodial department.
During his time in Grand Island, Vern had been part of a bowling league and it was there that he met his future wife, Geraldine Graff. On June 15, 1974 they were married at St. Mary’s Church in Grand Island.
Gerri and Vern continued to enjoy bowling together as well as going on a number of vacations over the years to places such as the Great Smokies, Mackinac Island, Canada, Texas and Colorado. They both had a love for pets and have had many throughout their 45+ years of marriage. Vern also took up a little golf and became quite interested in chess, joining a club and receiving a C rating. On January 3, 2001, Vern retired from the VA but remained busy with hobbies such as fishing, at the top of his list, along with easier pursuits such as crossword puzzles and a never ending love of football!
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Wayne and sister Lola and is survived by his wife Gerri, brother Chuck, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Graveside Service: 11 a.m. Oct. 11, at Omaha National Cemetery.
Visitation: 7-8 p.m. Oct. 10, at Wyuka Funeral Home, Lincoln.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I worked with LaVerne at the Lincoln VA he was always so kind and so nice to visit with.
I am sure he gained his angel wings and is happy in heaven watching over. I am so sorry for your loss.