Vernon Wamsganz

SARANAC LAKE -Vernon W. Wamsganz, 95, passed away peacefully Friday, June 19, 2009 at Starr Farm Nursing Home with his family by his side.

Vernon was born Sept. 23, 1913 in Saranac Lake.

Vernon graduated from Saranac Lake High School class of 1932. In 1933, he married Gertrude Belair. The couple had six children.

Vernon was very active in the Saranac Lake community. He was a volunteer fireman, and chief from 1955-57. He also served as chairman of the Republican Committee, as a village trustee and was a member of the local Adirondack Masonic Lodge. He was most proud of organizing the construction of the Ice Palace for the annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival for many years, as well as his legendary garden at 16 Pine Street. Vernon was a representative for the Prudential Insurance Company for more than 20 years.

In the early 1960s, Vernon relocated to South Burlington with his loving wife Gretchen. Together they had one son and their family became "yours, mine and ours." Vernon had a passion for serving his community and was instrumental in organizing the South Burlington Fire Department and Faith United Methodist Church. He also served on the Burlington Fire Department Auxiliary and was past president of the Chittenden County Firefighters Association. His dedicated service to firefighting totaled 49 years.

He was employed by the University of Vermont Bookstore and retired in 1976, but never slowed down. He worked for Century 21, painted houses and was a crossing guard. Along with Gretchen, he delivered Meals On Wheels for more than 20 years.

He was a Master Gardener and known to all his neighbors and friends for his vegetable stand in the summer, his pumpkins in the fall, his backyard skating rink in the winter and his maple syrup in the spring. Vernon was proud of his family and his accomplishments, and he loved family meals and gatherings. He was always there to lend a hand or share a story, especially during "happy hour."

He was the patriarch of our family, a legend and one of a kind. His resilience, resourcefulness and intense work ethic were an inspiration to all. We will miss him deeply.

He is survived by his children, their spouses and other loving family members: Willard and Mary Wamsganz, Vernon and Diane Wamsganz, Jean and Bernie Foley, John and Claudia Wamsganz, Paul Wamsganz and Cindy Taylor, and Matthew and Karin Wamsganz; his stepchildren and their spouses: Margaret and Thomas Galloway, Mary Beth and Scott Kreuzinger and Stephen Perry; 22 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Henry and Mary Wamsganz; his three brothers: Henry, Raymond and Curtis; an infant daughter Joan; and his wives Gertrude and Gretchen.

Visiting hours will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 23 at the Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home, 9 Pleasant St., Essex Junction, Vt. A celebration of Vernon's life will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 24 at the Faith United Methodist Church, 899 Dorset St., South Burlington, Vt. Visiting hours will also take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 25 at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 40 Church St., Saranac Lake. Interment will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, June 26 in the Pine Ridge Cemetery in Saranac Lake. A reception will be held following the interment at the home of Charlie and Jeanine Sporck, 34 Lower Saranac Lake Drive, Saranac Lake.

The family wishes to thank the extraordinary caring staff at Starr Farm Nursing Center. We also would like to extend our appreciation to Vernon's wonderful neighbors and friends who helped him stay in his home as long as possible.

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