Obituary of Vernon Wigle

Ht is with great peace that the Wigle family celebrates the life of Vern Wigle, who fell on November 20th.  He broke his neck and back, and fought hard with his family surrounding him, but ultimately knew it was time to go to his Heavenly Father.  Vern will lovingly be remembered by his wife of nearly 46 years, Joy Elaine, and their three boys Zach (Julie) of Solon, Iowa, Seth (Chelsea) of Wardsville, Missouri, and Luke (not hitched yet) of Washington D.C.  Vern will forever be remembered by his four grandchildren, Mallory, Brady, Landon, and Brooklyn who loved his smile and endless stories.  

Vern was born on January 12th, 1949 in Sacramento, California.  He was the second of four sons.  His mother Ida, and father Ernest, were loving parents who wanted the best for him.  They moved to Tacoma, Washington where Vern spent the majority of his adolescent life.  He graduated from Clover High School in May of 1967.  From there, Vern enlisted in the Air Force and served two tours in Vietnam as a military policeman (MP).  He was medically discharged after six weeks in the hospital with a fever that restricted his ability to serve.  He then enrolled at Western Bible Institute (now called Colorado Christian University) where he met the love of his life, Joy.  They were married on June 2nd, 1973, and he completed his degree in biblical studies and counseling in May of 1974.  Vern and Joy moved to Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado for their first placement with Village Missions.  They then moved to the Midwest to serve a small congregation in Leonard, Minnesota.  After their service in the ministry, they moved to the Twin Cities where they retired in 2012.  Vern enjoyed the last 16 years of his working life as a bus driver for the Eden Prairie public school system.  He enjoyed many years deer hunting and watching his three sons play football.  Vern and Joy moved to Eldon, Missouri in June of 2012 to enjoy their life as a retired couple closer to their children. Vern shared the love of Jesus at the nursing home in Eldon each week, and his biblical wisdom will be missed by those who knew him.  He would want to be remembered for sharing the Gospel with those around him.

Vern was preceded in death by his father Ernest, mother Ida, and his brother Gary.  He is survived by his wife Joy, brothers Bill and Glen, and his three boys.

A Celebration will be held on Saturday, December 15th, 2018 at the First Baptist Church in Eldon, Missouri at 11:00 am.  Flowers and donations can be sent to 209 South Aurora Street (First Baptist Church) in Eldon, Missouri.  The service will be followed by a luncheon at the church.  Should be delish, just as Vern would like it.