Verne Stanford Zorn

Verne Stanford Zorn

January 18, 1947 - August 10, 2025

Verne Stanford Zorn, 78, of Gasquet, California, passed away on August 10, 2025, in Medford, Oregon.

Born in Modesto, California, on January 18, 1947, Verne Proudly served with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), in the Republic of Vietnam operating under top secret orders from the President of the United States of America from 1966 - 1968. He was awarded two Purple Hearts, along with numerous other military honors, for his courage and service.

After his time in the Army, Verne built a meaningful career with Stanislaus County while raising his two sons, Scott and Vincent, with his first wife, Rosemary. Later, he pursued his lifelong fascination with the weather as a certified meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

An avid fisherman and outdoorsman, Verne found his greatest joy in time spent on the water. He treasured fishing trips with his family & close friend and guide, John Klarr, as well as charter trips to Ocean Shores, Washington, and unforgettable adventures at "Legacy Lodge" in Rivers Inlet, British Columbia. Above all, his favorite moments were spent alongside his wife, Donna, fishing the pristine rivers near their home in Gasquet.

Verne will be remembered for his kind heart, deep love of family, devotion to country, and his enduring connection to the Smith River. He touched the lives of all who met him. The greatest treasures of his life were his grandchildren, and he cherished every moment with each of them.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Zorn; his son, Vincent Zorn & wife Christy; and son, Scott Zorn; his stepchildren, Tamara Ferguson and husband, Jason; Joe Snipes and wife, Cassie; Trina Gastineau and husband Chris; and Katie Gillespie; his beloved grandchildren Isla & Ruby Zorn, Baylee & Ian Zorn, Jed & Ben Ferguson, Canyon Gastineau, Gavin & Stella Snipes, and Colten Gillespie; Brother in law, Gill Sickles, Sisters in law, Debbie Andersen & Linda Wagner; and extended family Willie & Gudi Gilbert, Kelly Feola & Wade Mayes. He is also survived by his constant companion, his traveling Bengal cat, Zoe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Lillian Zorn, and wife Rosemary Zorn.

A Service with full military honors will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Crescent City Veterans Cemetery at 400 E. Cooper Ave. Crescent City, followed by a celebration of life at Sea Quake Brewing, 400 Front Street, Crescent City, from 2- 5 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crescent City VFW Post 1381, in Verne's honor.