"Dad I sit here talking to you though your photos, the extreme sadness I'll always feel now that you're not here is inexplicable to decribe in written language. What you have left me with means the absolute world to me, but i'd do anything to have one more conversation with you, but we both know we still have ways of communication. I am you I continually figure that out with every day. I'm so very proud of you and know how proud you were of Lacey and I. But damnit why did you have to get healthy to leave us obviously life will never be fair to anyone and everyone will have to face what we're facing at one point or another (at least every parent hopes so). I'm trying to make you proud, i'm trying to do well in school, but its nearly impossable to consintrate on anything but sadness, even though i know that you were in a very great place mentally before you had to leave. I wouldn't have changed that weekend that kelly and i visited you for the world! I had so many things i wanted to you before you left. You left me with the greatest gift anyone could have left their child with and that the knowledge that I can help anyone if I'm strong enough to give them a chance and for that i'm for ever greatful! Dad you are my hero my confidant and best friend, I live my life to make your wish for me come true and i'm finally strong enough to go for it! I love you forever and you will always live though me! I love you Dad and you will always get so very greatly missed!! -Collin"
In loving memory of
Vernon "Vern" Schubert
April 30, 1950 - July 30, 2012
Memorial services for Vernon (Vern) Dean Schubert, age 62, of Spirit Lake, Iowa, will be held on Sunday, August 5, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. at the Schuchert Funeral Home in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Pastor Don E. Johnson will assist the family and friends in a service of celebration and remembrance. The Schuchert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, and condolences may be sent to the funeral home at P.O. Box 272, Spirit Lake, IA 51360.
Vern Schubert was born on April 30, 1950, in Sibley, Iowa, to George T. and Etta M. (Kruse) Schubert. Vern grew up on a farm north of Little Rock, Iowa, and graduated from Little Rock High School in 1968. He immediately enlisted and entered the U.S. Navy on September 6, 1968, during the Viet Nam War. In the Navy, he was trained and served as Radioman Mate aboard the USS Ogden, an amphibious transport ship, and in Guam. The Ogden sailed trans-Pacific to and from Viet Nam and Guam. Among his other duties, Vern achieved special clearance from the Navy and was charged with the responsibility of telegraphing the names of the war casualties in Viet Nam back to the U.S. He also was stationed at the Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, California, toward the end of his service. Vern was honorably discharged with the rank of E-4, Radioman 3rd Class on June 5, 1972. While in the Navy, Vern received the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the National Defense Service Medal. He was a member of the VFW. His naval experience was a major influence in shaping the rest of his life.
Vern studied under photographer, Jim Peterson, at Iowa Lakes Community College, Estherville, Iowa, and he graduated with an associate degree in photo-journalism in 1974. This launched a life-long passion for photography. His eye for detail and the wonders of nature and people are evident in his work. In 1975, he married Cindy L. Klein. The couple had two children, Lacey Jean and Collin George Schubert. Vern was employed by the Farmer's Co-op Grain Elevator in Terril, Iowa, for a number of years and at the Gingerbread House also in Terril before beginning a career with Stylecraft Furniture in Milford, Iowa, as their senior buyer and dispatcher until 1999. He then worked as a marine and auto mechanic for a time and finally as a distributor and accountant for Okoboji Wines. He was a professional freelance photographer, and during his entire working life, Vern continued his love of photography, gardening, and canning his famous dill pickles and his spicy salsa.
Left to cherish Vern's memory are his two children, Lacey Dreeszen, her husband Nathan, their son, Owen Dean of Boone, Iowa; and Collin Schubert of Spirit Lake, Iowa, and his special friend, Kelly Cozza of Chicago, Illinois; and their mother, Cindy Schubert. Also left to cherish Vern's memory are one sister, Mariel Johnson and her husband, Don E. Johnson of Estherville, Iowa, as well as his nieces, Christina Johnson (Mark Remme) of Iowa City, Iowa, and Beth Johnson (Ted Powers) of Davis, California, nephew Charles Johnson of Reno, Nevada; grandnieces and grandnephew, Casey, Ayden, and Ava; and his sister-in-law, Eddie Klein, of Wenatchee, Washington.
Vern was preceded in death by his parents, George T. and Etta M. Schubert.
Tributes
"Mariel and family, I am so sorry to hear of Vern's death. I remember him well when he worked in Terril. May you find peace in your wonderful memories that you shared with him."
"Colin, Lacey and Schubert family, my deepest sympathy to all of you! I worked with Vern for years at Stylecraft and enjoyed his sense of humor and his dedication to the company. As I look through the photos you can tell how loved you all were by him! So sorry for your loss! Sue Boettcher"
"Mariel & family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Mariel, even tho we didn't know your brother, we do know how much you thought of him, and how special he was to you. Sorry we missed the service today, just read about it tonite. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. "
"My thoughts and prayers are with Verns family at this time. I will miss our our little talks when he would be up and about at night. Also, working the crossword puzzle in the paper together. He was a very special person. He will be missed. "
"My condolences to the Schubert family and friends. Vern and I served together on the USS Ogden. His wit and humor and just being a great guy was always appreciated. We all had lots of fun and good times during our time served together. I have enjoyed his banter and emails over the recent years as several of us shipmates have connected again. My prayers and thoughts are with you today."
"So sad to hear of the passing of my shipmate and very good friend. Vern was a multi-talented, honest, and hard working person. I am honored to have known and served with him. My condolences to his family at this very sad time. "
"Schubert Family I had the privilege of knowing Vern in his youth when we were radioman in the U S Navy. I will miss him tremendously and want you to know you will be in our hearts and prayers. Thank you for sharing him us and Fast, God's speed to you my friend until I see you again. Jess Guzman and Family in Texas."
"Sad to hear of Vern's passing. I served on board the USS Ogden with him. It was my great privilege to know him. Enjoyed our email contact in the recent years. My condolences to his family & friends. I'll always remember Vern. "
"So very sad to hear of Vern's passing. I was also a shipmate with Vern on the Ogden. I think we nicknamed him "fast Eddie" because of his calm, easy-going nature. He had a great sense of humor, was a great friend, and could always be counted on to get the job done. Prayers and sympathy to his family and loved ones, including his dog (frequently mentioned in Vern's email)."
"Saddened to hear of Vern's (Fast Eddie) passing. As an old shipmate of his from the USS Ogden days, it was so fun to have been in contact with him during this last year or so as a number of the guys from the radio shack renewed our friendship. God's peace and comfort to the family of Vern. I know the memories of this good hearted man will be cherished by each of you. Thanks, Fast Eddie, for being a part of my life and serving our country!"
"Dad you were always, always there for me and Lacey, no matter what sort of crazy mess I would find myself in you were always there to give me advice to get through it. You always told me not to be so hard on myself and to keep my head up high even when I wanted to cry. You were the most amazing person I have ever met and on top of that my father and best friend! I will never forget you and promise your spirit will live on though me and Lacey and Owen and further more everyone else who's life you touched. I hate to see you go but i know you are doing Jesus's portraits now. Love you so much!!! -Critter"
"When I worked at Stylecraft in the Computer Room, Vern always had numerous faxes to send and along with his daily bundle, he left a small bag of M&M's. He was so kind and considerate. Even tho my position was temporary, I saw Vern different times at the Dry Dock where my sister Deb worked and he would remember me. I left our short visits with a smile. Thank you Vern for the M&M's."
"Lacey & Collin- I am so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs your way. Kristie Wintz (Heather & Travis' cousin) "
"Vern was a very good friend of my parents during the time he lived in Terril, so I have many memories of the time they all spent together. He was a wonderful friend to them and they enjoyed their many, many hours spent together."
"I am going to miss my visits with Vern. He would just stop by for a friendly chat and share some of his insights about the day or things he was thinking about. He was a fascinating man. He often expressed concern for others that struggled in life and attempted to reach out to those that had a hard time fitting in with others. He was his own man and appeared to be at peace with himself and with life. He was able to let things go and not bother him, an attitude that was contagious when you spent time with him. I will miss him. "