LaVerne "Vern" Brickner

LaVerne “Vern” Brickner, 75 of Kearney passed away Friday, December 27, 2024 at his home surrounded by family after a short illness. A funeral mass will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney with Fr. Joe Hannappel officiating. A rosary will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday prior to the service. Visitation will be 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Monday followed by a time of sharing at the church. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services. Vern was born October 26, 1949 in York, Pennsylvania to Herman H. Houck and Lydia G. (Bowers) Brickner. He was raised in the Children’s Home of York in York, PA. Vern later attended Thaddeus Stevens Trade School in Lancaster, PA studying auto body repair. He used to hitchhike to and from York, PA while attending school in Lancaster. During his stay at the Children’s Home, Vern met a counselor who greatly impacted his life: Paul Gunning. Paul was a great friend and mentor to Vern and they stayed in touch until Paul’s death in 2021. Vern always stopped to visit Paul when he traveled back to York, PA. On August 4, 1969, he enlisted into the U.S. Army. He completed a one year tour in Vietnam. Then he served in Panama from 1971-1974 and was honorably discharged, reaching the rank of Drill Sergeant in July of 1977. While attending a play at Kearney Community Theatre, Vern met the love of his life, DeAnn Kogl. The couple later married at Countryside Christian Church on September 18, 1999. Their marriage was later blessed at St. James Catholic Church. Vern was employed at Eaton Corp. for 23 years. He later worked at Kearney High School, Ace Hardware and retired as a custodian at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in 2014. Vern enjoyed gardening, fishing, singing, bowling and softball throughout his life. He never knew a stranger and will be remembered for his sense of humor. He was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles football and Philadelphia Phillies baseball. Vern loved Penn. State Football, much to the chagrin of his fellow Eaton Co-workers. Vern was a member of St. James Catholic Church. He was a proud father and Grandpa. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, DeAnn Brickner of Kearney; daughters, Valerie (Jason) Stroup and Crystal (Brent) Tejcka, all of Kearney; grandchildren, Maisie Ellingson, Cadin Summers, Brennen Stroup, Collin Brickner, Everly Tejcka, River Tejcka, Jaron Stroup, Taylor (Ashley) Tejcka, Tanner Tejcka; great granddaughter, Adalynn Tejcka; special friends, Cecilia and Walt Fick; special aunt, Bertha “Buzz” Holloway of PA; as well as many extended family and friends. Vern was preceded in death by his parents; foster mom, Carolyn “Fuzz” Myers; friend, Bob Driver.

LaVerne "Vern" Brickner

October 26, 1949 - December 27, 2024