Vern E. Broz

Vern was the youngest of 6 children. He was raised on a farm in McCook, Nebraska, and graduated from Hayes Center High School in 1952.

He served for two years in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1955 with the rank of Corporal.

He was married to Shirley McGhee from 1961-1968 and the couple was blessed with 3 children: Michael, Rob and Sherri.

He later married Carol Dietrich in 1969 and welcomed her 4 children, Deb, Kay, Kim and Leonard, to his blended family. They were married until her passing in 2013.

Vern enjoyed spending time with his friends at Highland Springs Retirement Community, his home for the past nine years. His hobbies included playing cards, shooting pool, and watching football. Vern’s true passion was spending time in the Wood Shop creating plaques and toys for friends and loved ones. However, Vern’s favorite pastime was loving on his 21 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren who loved him dearly.

Everyone who met Vern agreed “he was a good man”. He was humble, and known for his integrity, generosity, intelligence, and wit. Everyone agreed Vern was a great listener.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, his 5 older siblings, his wife Carol, his son Michael, and his granddaughters Heather and Hope.

Vern is survived by his 6 children, 19 grandchildren: Sage, Sarah, Daniel, Nathan, Natalie, Jennifer, Dustin, Kelly, Kenny, April, Malachi, Caleb, Isaac, Grace, Elisha, Michael, Christine, Marisa, Austin and 15 great grandchildren.

His most notable accomplishments are the Lions Club “Lion of the Year” from 2001-2002. He received the National Defense Service Metal and the Army Occupation Metal. Vern gave back to the community in many ways, most notably working with other residents in the wood shop, building toys in the wood shop to be given to local children’s charities and children’s hospitals.