Vernon Adams

Pierre, SD

1935, 2749, Sand Lake (Columbia), BF-2,

Vern Adams, 95 of Pierre, died Thursday, November 10 at Maryhouse Nursing Care Center in Pierre, SD.

Vern was born May 11, 1916 in Pierre to Bud and Emma (Kachelheffer) Adams. He grew up in Pierre graduating from Pierre High School in 1934. After graduation he went to CC Camp and worked on the Grand Cooley Dam for one year. He then moved back to Pierre and worked at the Service Station.

In 1935 he enlisted in the National Guard. When the war broke out he was activated. He was honorably discharged in 1945 at rank of Staff Sergeant. He returned back to Pierre where he worked for Berry Frozen Food before going to work for the Postal Service for the next 31 ½ years. He was very proud of his military service in World War II serving in Africa, Italy, N. Ireland and England. He was famous for saying "I’ve been north of the Arctic Circle, south of the Equator and on three continents! And in all the states of the union except Hawaii."

On July 29, 1940 Vern was united in marriage to Hazel Metzinger in Sioux Falls, SD and they were blessed with seven children and 71 years of marriage.

He was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Knight of Columbus, VFW, American Legion, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, life member of the NRA and the Pierre fire department.

While being in the bicycle repair business, he took great pride in designing and building different types of bicycles (such as a side car/bicycle). Over the years many grown children returned to see him and tell stories of coming to him for their first bicycle. He built stools and tables of all sizes, all from recycled scrap wood, giving to anyone who wanted them and building by request. After retiring he took to walking once or twice a day any where up to 7 or 8 miles.

He loved his family very much and told them and showed them every day.

He is survived by his wife Hazel of Pierre; three sons: David (Brenda), Mark and Gregory (Deb) all of Pierre; three daughters: Kay (Gary) King of Sheridan, WY, Peggy (Doug) Hillmer of Pierre and Elaine (Gene) Gillen of Hermosa, SD; 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Maxine; four grandchildren: Sarah, Cassy, Melissa and Justin; four brothers and three sisters.

Memorials may be directed to St. Joseph's Catholic School.

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