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Vern Jarosak passed away on April 20, 2023, of heart failure. He lived in Vero Beach, Florida, with his wife Joan. Prior to moving to Florida, Vern and Joan lived in Norwalk, Connecticut. Vern had worked for one of the large energy companies, but since he has not returned often to Minnesota, we have much work to do in filling out the details of his life. We were pleased that Vern could attend our 50th Class Reunion; some of his "old buddies" on our athletic teams were able to play a round of golf with Vern. But we know little of his personal accomplishments since graduation.
We are hoping to add information to his notice as we are able to find out more about his life.
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Pete Eckenberg
I played baseball from Little League through high school and hockey with him from 7th grade through high school. I remember him as a fierce competitor in both sports and am honored to have had him as a teammate.
God bless and welcome him home.
Pete Eckenberg
Steven Sjordal
In our 50th reunion year book reminded me that Vern had a 31?? Ford for which he had removed the top. It looked like a bathtub. One afternoon we car-guys were gassing and all decided to head home. Vern's car wouldn't start. Since it had no bumper, I decided to be a 'cushion' between Spike Schliecher's front and Vern's back bumperless car. The idea was that I would keep them apart until Vern could pop his clutch and engage his engine. All went as planned until his engine started. He gunned it and took off. I was left in that split second to either jump toward Vern's open-topped rear area or turn and grab for Spike's car. Perhaps it would have worked, except that Spike had 'nosed' his hood...nothing even vaguely resembling a hood ornament. How Spike stopped his vehicle as I fell under it I'll never know. Perhaps there are guardian angels for stupid teens after all.
From Steve Sjordal
Pete Eckenberg
I remember Vern's car. The top had been cut off with a torch and the back seats consisted of a couple of folding chairs which my dad observed, saying "Not what I'd call very safe." None the less we'd jump in and hang on.
Bill Dean
I grew up just down the street with Vern and his younger brother Denny. One summer the three of us went to Camp Patterson on Lake Washington, near Mankato, where we spent a week. It was the first camping experience for all of us. We were probably about 9 or 10. Before checking into the camp, we stayed for one night at my Grandmother's home in North Mankato. We shared a big rollaway bed. Vern said he wanted to teach both Denny and I a game he had learned called "Squirrel" We asked him how the game was played. He said, "Simple, I am the squirrel, and I grab for nuts." After which we both shrieked as he started the game. I leave it to your imagination what happed. I have never forgotten that, needless to say. Vern and Denny both remained friends of mine through the years. Vern outlived his younger brother by at least 6 or 7 years. We shared a good laugh about the camping exprience when we saw each other at our 50th. By the way, Steve Sjordahl lived in the same neighborhood and we all played a lot of games during the summers at Sunshine Park at 29th and Vernon Avenue, where everyone hung out when the parks program was running.
Gerald Thompson
Steve Sjordal and I are both upset about Vern's passing! In a recent phone call to Steve I expressed my fond memories of Vern. I first got to know him in 4th ot 5th grade when we played shiny hockey at the 29th and Webster rink. I remember how every night two older guys, often John Plaisted and Scott Matchen would choose teams for the night. The first guy chosen was always Vern Jarosak! He was that good on the rink in 4th grade! I always think of him as the most gifted athlete I knew! At that time we all called him " Butch"! All of is kids from Webster went on to Varsity hockey. Plaisted, Matchen, Atwood, Jack Burke, Jim Boyce, Steve Sjordal, and Brice Martensen. When shiny hockey ended we played pom-pom pull away with Jane Mcanney, cricket Atwood and other girls. Great memories, great friends, R.I,P. Dear friend "Butch"!