V ernon Elsasser, 90, of Winner, SD passed away on Friday, May 5, 2017 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Facility.  Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 11:00AM at the United Methodist Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to memorial service.

Celebrating the life of Vernon Elsasser, born February 15th 1927 to parents William Elsasser and Joy Audiss Elsasser.  Vernon was born in Carter, South Dakota, he grew up in Anoka, Nebraska and attended grade school in Anoka.  He attended high school in Butte, Nebraska where he attended the 10th grade.

Vernon served in the Army Air Corps from 1946 to 1948 in the Philippines and Japan.  He was a radio operator directing airplanes coming back from missions. His radio operation was located in a small shack (tree house) in the top of a tree.

Vernon married the love of his life, Norma Crabtree on May 22, 1951 in Winner, SD.  Norma's father said she had to finish high school first, so they were married the day after she graduated.  Vernon worked at a Hatchery, in Road Construction, for the REA and local farmers.  He started at the Outlaw Trading Post in August 1952 working for 45 years as a meat cutter and meat manager until January 1998.

They were blessed with 66 years of marriage and had three children, Mike, Rick and Eve. Vernon lived with diabetes for 63 years and lived at home up until 1 month of his 90th birthday.

Vernon is survived by his brothers, Gerald, his wife Dorene who live in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Brother Wilbur who lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Brother Willus, his wife Willene who live in Gillette, Wyoming.  Brother Marlow (Dan), who lives in Lincoln, Nebraska.  His sisters, Hilma Wolcott who lives in California.  Sister Joyce, her husband Joe Fisher who live in Millbank, South Dakota. Sister Delores, her husband Ronnie Carson who live in Mesa, Arizona.  Sister Jeanette Bonaventura who lives in Omaha, Nebraska.

His son, Mike (Tish) of Oregon, granddaughter Nora (Phil) Ness who reside in Rapid City, His son, Rick (Cindy) and his grandson Jake who reside in Rapid City. His daughter, Eve who lives in Winner, South Dakota.  100 nieces and nephews as well as a multitude of friends.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother, as well as his brothers, Eugene, Raymond and sister Illa.