Vernon M. Herr

Vernon M. Herr age 93 of Lodi/ Baraboo

Vernon Mills Herr passed away on Sat. January 19, 2024 at Oak Park Place in Baraboo, WI.  

Vernon was born in Lodi, WI on May 27,1930 to Vernon M Herr, Sr and Beulah Herr (Smith).  

Vernon grew up in Lodi and when he married his wife Ann (Benzmiller), they moved to the Madison area. In 1988, he and Ann moved back to Lodi. In March of 2022, he moved to Oak Park Place in Baraboo until he passed away.

Vernon spent most of his career and retired in 1989 from the University of Wisconsin, Madison as an Instrument Maker, Supervisor. Prior to working at the university, he worked as a gunsmith for Rusk’s Gun Shop in Madison for 5 years. Later he continued as a part-time gunsmith at his own shop in his home while working full time at the university. He built custom guns for customers located within and outside the United States.

Vernon was an avid bow and gun hunter along with being a fisherman. He also enjoyed competitive rifle shooting.  He loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping with many of his friends. After his retirement, he added Curling to his interests which soon became another of his passions along with the hunting and fishing.  He curled until 2020 at the age of nearly 90 years old. He created many lasting memories of curling at the Poynette Curling Club and other Clubs throughout Wisconsin.  

Vernon was a volunteer at MacKenzie Center, Poynette, WI during maple syrup season.  He enjoyed driving visitors to the center around the grounds and he made many new friends during this time. He also volunteered at the local high schools and taught gun safety.  

Vernon loved his dog Kale who was his best friend and constant companion.  

Vernon was preceded in death by his wife Ann Herr (Benzmiller) October, 2001 and his sister Patricia Cramer (Herr).

Vernon is survived by his children Daniel Herr (Sally Sholl) of Eagle River, Lawrence Herr (Kathy) of Cape Fair, MO, Kim Herr Wahl (David); Grandchildren Michelle, Nicole, Danielle, Beth Ann, Mark; Great Grandchildren Madeline, Ethan, Cade, Cole, Amina and Nora.

A private family burial was held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Lodi, WI

The family would like to thank the staff of Oak Park Place, Baraboo, WI and Moments Hospice, Madison, WI for their gentle, loving and compassionate care of their father.

Winn- Cress Funeral and Cremation Services, Waunakee is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at cressfuneralservice.com .  Memorials may be directed to the family which will be contributed to causes Vernon cared most about.  To plant memory trees in memory of Vernon M. Herr, please click here to visit Cress Funeral Services site.

                                                                Winn-Cress Funeral Home

                                                                        5785 Hwy Q

                                                                       Waunakee, WI