Vern Alberts
LaVern Lee Alberts lost his long, brave fight with Parkinson’s disease and other chronic health-related issues at the age of 77 in his home in Holyoke on Aug. 14, 2021. LaVern, who preferred to be called Vern, was born Dec. 11, 1943, in Sterling to Hazel and Chester Alberts.
He, along with five siblings, grew up in Holyoke where he attended and graduated from high school. In 1962, while a senior in high school, at the Colorado state high school track meet, Vern took first place in the high jump and in the high hurdles, and he also won second place in the low hurdles.
Vern enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1963 and was honorably discharged in 1967. During this time, he served on the USS Sutter County, a tank landing ship, which operated in and around the Philippines and Vietnam.
Vern married Linda Kay Harms, daughter of Virgil and Eloise Harms of Paoli, on Aug. 31, 1969, in Haxtun at the Methodist Church. The couple was happily married until the time of his death.
Vern worked on a ranch owned by Dake Warren, near Holyoke, from 1967-1970. He also worked at the Shop-All Inc. grocery store from 1970-1972. He was then hired by Highline Electric Association, where he proudly served as a lineman and later transitioned to meter technician after multiple spine surgeries made it physically impossible for him to perform as a lineman.
He retired from Highline Electric Association in 2015.
Vern had a passion for the outdoors and loved camping, fishing and hiking. He loved classic cars and working on them and had a penchant for loud music and stories about the Wild West. He was an avid supporter of Holyoke High School Dragons football and basketball and enjoyed being in the bleachers, surrounded by cheering friends, family and other fans.
Vern was constantly at work on do-it-yourself projects and spent countless hours toiling on his and Linda’s house, in the garage, on their vehicles and in the yard. He also was a fan of Raiders football and the Gonzaga University men’s basketball team.
Vern loved life, had a huge heart and always strove to make sure those around him were having a fun time. Wherever Vern went, laughter seemed to follow. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Vern is survived by his wife, Linda; two children, Kirk and wife Sarah and Cameron and wife Teagan; four grandchildren, Connor, Dryden, Murphy and Esmae; sister, Peggy Bennett; and brother, Jim Alberts.
He joins his parents, Chester and Hazel Alberts; sisters, Lola Shull, Francis Smith and Linda Bly; and brother-in-law, Merle Bennett.
A celebration of life for Vern will be held Saturday, Sept. 11, at 3 p.m. in the Biesemeier Room at the Phillips County Event Center at the Phillips County Fairgrounds in Holyoke and will include food and festivities. All friends and family are encouraged to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Physical Therapy Department at Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke.
Baucke Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.