Vern was born on December 13, 1925 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin to Frieda and Emil Pufahl. He was baptized on July 3,1926 and confirmed in the Lutheran faith on March 17, 1940 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Mr. Pufahl died when Vern was only 5 years old and Frieda remarried Paul Currier. Vern graduated from North High School in 1943 and immediately entered the Army. He served in the European theater during World War II, surviving the Battle of the Bulge and the Ardennes Forrest. He obtained the rank of Sergeant and was decorated with numerous medals and honors. En route to the Pacific theater and in Austin, Texas, he met the love of his life, Betty Lucille Mills. They were married at Hyde Park Baptist Church and have since shared 71 anniversaries.
After completing his service to country, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1948. Following a brief residence in Wisconsin, he accepted a job in Austin where they have remained ever since. During his 32 years at Jefferson Chemical Company, his main area of expertise was on polyurethane foam and he was credited with multiple patents on this product. Also a “jack-of-all-trades”, he was the go-to man for any problem within the family, extended family, and for friends. Stubborn, almost to a fault, even at the age of 93 he has stoically been the primary caretaker of his bedridden wife for over a year. Devotedly by her side, his declaration has always been:“I’ll do it for as long as I can”.
Vern has been a member of Trinity Lutheran Church since December 30,1951, where he served as an usher, and other callings, for several years until caring for his wife occupied his time.
Betty and he enjoyed traveling, dancing, playing cards, board games, jig saw puzzles and doting on their grandchildren and pets.
He is preceded in death by his mother (Frieda), father (Emil), step-father (Paul Currier), sister (Wilma), brother (Norman), and granddaughter (Charlotte).
He is survived by his loving wife (Betty), sister (Helen), four children (Gary, Steven, Allen, and Cynthia), eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar, Austin, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1207 West 45th Street, Austin, Texas 78756. Internment will be immediately following the service at Capital Park in Pflugerville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Vernon’s name may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation, or to the charity of your choice.
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