Vern D. Lewison, age 82, died on Saturday morning Feb. 18, 2017 at the Fennimore Good Samaritan Society in Fennimore. Vern was born on Nov. 22, 1934, the son of Orvie & Mamie (Ames) Lewison. He married Gretchen Simmons in 1958 until 1978, and then was united in marriage to Sue Mittelstadt in 1982.
Vern graduated from Viola High School, the class of 1952. After a brief two years in the US Army, Vern farmed in the Viola area from 1960 to 1969. He then received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Economics from U.W. Platteville in 1973. He continued his education, receiving his Master’s Degree in Agriculture and Futures Marketing. From 1973 thru 1996, Vern taught at the Southwest Technical College as a Farm Business and Production Management instructor. Vern, not wanting to fully retire, continued working part time as security at the House on the Rock in Spring Green, Fennimore Foods doing records, and The Springs Resort as the golf course host. Vern believed in being dedicated to his profession along with his communities. He was the District representative to the State for Farm Business and Production Management program from S.W.T.C from 1980-1988, the WAVAI district IV Second Vice President, 1976-1978; State Teaching Aids Committee Chairperson in 1981, WI Agri-Business Council, 1974-1982, Lafayette Co. Ag Workers, 1972-1982 and the Grant Co. Ag Workers Chairperson from 1983-1984, U.W. Platteville Ag Alumni Association. Vern also served the community of Fennimore--serving on City Council, Alderperson, starting in Jan. 1998, Personnel Committee, Utilities Committee, Economic Development, F & M Bank-Grant Co. on the Board of Directors, 1991-1999, Fennimore Lion’s Club and the Fennimore United Methodist Church holding various positions within. Vern enjoyed golfing, fishing, deer hunting, cheering on the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers and cooking on the grill. Vern’s dedication to his community and organizations is unmatched and he will be sorely missed by all of his family and friends.    
Vern is survived by his wife Sue of Fennimore, two children; Tom (Dawn) Lewison of Marshall, and Brenda (Terri Gabriel) Lewison of Milwaukee, granddaughter Amy Lewison of Ames, Iowa, three siblings; David (Miriam) Lewison of Westby, Dorothy Gillet of Atlanta, Ga., Conrad (Margaret) Lewison of Viroqua; several nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Marcia Mittelstadt of Memphis, Tenn.
Vern was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law James Gillet, and his former wife Gretchen.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday Feb. 24, 2017 at the Fennimore United Methodist Church with burial of his cremated remains to be held at a later date in the Viola Cemetery in Viola. Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 p.m. on Thursday Feb. 23, 2017 at the Fennimore United Methodist Church and from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the church on Friday morning. Memorials may be given in loving memory of Vern to the Southwest Technical College Foundation for agriculture related scholarships.  The Larson Family Funeral Home of Fennimore is assisting the family and online condolences may be made at www.larsonfuneralhomes.com