Vernon Eugene Estenson, age 88, of Pigeon Falls, left for his eternal home in heaven on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at the Pigeon Falls Health Care Center in Pigeon Falls.

Vernon was born on May 15, 1927 in Fitch Coulee, town of Pigeon, Trempealeau County, WI to Ferdinand and Selma (Fremstad) Estenson. He attended grade school in Fitch Coulee and graduated from the Whitehall Memorial High School in 1944. After high school, Vernon was employed as a carpenter with Clifford Woychik Construction of Whitehall and later Walker Brothers Construction of Eau Claire.

Vernon married Doris Olson on June 25, 1949 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pigeon Falls. They lived in Eau Claire for a few years where Vernon drove truck delivering Snoboy groceries to all the northern Wisconsin area.

Vernon and Doris bought Vernon's uncle Oscar Estenson's homestead farm in Fitch Coulee along with Vernon's brother, Floyd, in 1951. Floyd separated from the farm ownership in 1956.

They were blessed with two sons, Larry and Mark. They grew up helping on the farm in many ways with farm chores and activities. Vernon was especially active in their 4-H projects of dairy, soil and water conservation awards, gardening and photography.

Vernon was a Pigeon Flyers Club leader for many years. He also served on the Trempealeau County Agricultural Society and their farm was registered as a Wisconsin Tree Farm.

Vernon was active on the church council and volunteered with the church yard and tree grooming. He especially enjoyed decorating the church inside and out for Christmas along with his home. Vernon received the Trempealeau County Conservation Award and State Tree Farm Recognition. Vernon and Doris received the Pigeon Falls Lion's Club Community Service Award in 1998.

When they sold the farm in 1977, Vernon and Doris designed their new home in Pigeon Falls. As their home was being built, they enjoyed an extended traveling vacation in their truck camper, moving into their new home in January of 1978.

Vernon attended the Chippewa Valley Technical School in 1978 and received his State of Wisconsin Waste Water and Water Operator certification. He was employed with the village of Pigeon Falls for 15 years and was also in charge of park and street maintenance prior to his retirement in May of 1993.

After his retirement, Vernon enjoyed working in his son Mark's shop in Pigeon Falls.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Doris; two sons, Larry (Catherine) of Whitehall and Mark (Cynthia) of Pigeon Falls; five grandchildren, Daniel (Nicole) of Chippewa Falls, David (Christina) of Pigeon Falls, Michael of LaCrosse, Erin (Travis) Thronson of Osseo and Caleb of Oshkosh; five great-grandchildren, four step-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Antoinette Filz of Racine and Phyllis Estenson of Whitehall and his special Peace Lutheran of Pigeon Falls church family.

In addition to his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by a grandson, Jason Estenson; three brothers, Floyd, Donald and Kenneth and a sister-in-law, Harriette Estenson.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, December 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran of Pigeon Falls with burial in the Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery. Pastor Mary Ann Bowman will officiate.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 6, 2015 from 5-7 p.m. at Peace Lutheran of Pigeon Falls and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.