Vernon Donald Kallsen

Vernon Donald Kallsen passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024 at the age of 95.

Vern was born in Struble, IA on February 5, 1929 to Otto and Irene (Henrich) Kallsen. He was one of five children. He graduated from LeMars High School in 1946 and married his high school sweetheart Patricia Bohlke on February 9, 1952. Following high school, he served in the Navy and spent all of his time on board a ship that traveled to Korea. After his discharge, he attended the University of Iowa where he earned a degree in accounting. Vern and Pat then moved to Madison, WI where he worked as a CPA.

Vern was an avid Bridge player and enjoyed golfing and traveling. He and Pat spent many winters in Arizona. One of their most memorable trips was a celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary with a cruise down the Rhine River from Amsterdam to Budapest. They enjoyed skiing which took them on trips to many places in Colorado and even included a ski trip to the Italian Alps. Vern was fortunate to have been rewarded with a Badger Honor Flight in 2013.

Vern is survived by his wife of 72 years Pat, children Lisa Lunning (Danita), David Kallsen (Leslie), grandchildren Kyle Lunning, Kelsie Willms (Chase), Erin Kallsen (Dylan), Christine Kallsen, great-grandchildren Kylie and Aiden Lunning, Cade Willms, brother Duane Kallsen (Joan), sister-in-law Fran Bohlke, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Helen Kenaley (Donald), brother Ronald Kallsen, sister Dorothy Bohnenkamp (Richard) and brothers-in-law Larry and Ronald Bohlke.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on December 16, 2024 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Madison WI. The visitation will be at 10:00 am followed by Mass at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Vernon's name to the American Cancer Society or to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.