Vernon Kusilek 12/03/2023

Vernon George Kusilek, age 86 of River Falls, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on December 3, 2023 at his home.
Vernon was born February 22, 1937 to Edwin Delbert and Loretta Marie in River Falls WI at home during a snowstorm. His daughter Amy and her family live in that home today.
Vernon graduated from River Falls High School in 1955, where he boxed and played football. He also played football at UWRF.
Even though Vernon retired from 3M after 37 years of employment, he was a farmer at heart. He purchased his farm in 1967 and farmed alongside his father until 1977 when Edwin passed. This farm is still in the family, and most of his family lives in the area. He loved doing daily drives around the neighborhood and checking all the crops. While he wasn’t as active on the farm as much as in the past, he still looked forward to the annual harvest. He spent hours riding the combine with his son, Craig in the fall, including this past harvest when his health declined.
Vernon married Elizabeth “Betsy” Randall in 1977 and this union was blessed with two children: Craig (Ellen) Kusilek and Amy (Mike) Cowles. In addition, Vernon had three children from a previous marriage: Thomas (Kim) Kusilek; Jonathon Kusilek; and Teri (Timothy) Williamson.
Besides farming, Vernon enjoyed shooting pool, fishing, hunting, playing cards, truck pulls, and trips to the casino and Mel’s with Betsy. He treasured time with his grandchildren.
Vernon is preceded in death by his parents; wife of 46 years, Betsy Kusilek; brother, Gerald (Bonnie) Kusilek; brother-in-law, Lawrence Johnson; and grandson, TJ Williamson.
He is survived by all five of his children; grandchildren, Daniell Kusilek, Ryan (fiancée, Mackenzie Vaclav) Kusilek, Miranda (Nate) Green, Casey (Alyssa) Kusilek, Carter Kusilek, Payten Kusilek, Cooper Cowles, Etta Cowles, Sullivan Cowles, Seth Williamson, and Sarah (Braden) Johnson; seven great-grandchildren; siblings, Norman (Natalie) Kusilek, Doris (Dave) Trebus, Diane Johnson, and Marilyn (Jerome) Maier; two sisters-in-law; and many other relatives and friends.
In memory of Vernon, family wishes that people wear flannel shirts for his Mass. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 12 noon at Saint Bridget Catholic Church (211 E Division Street) in River Falls with visitation starting at 10:00AM. Interment is in Saint Bridget Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch the recording of Vernon’s service.