Vernon Lewis Lawrence

Vern Lawrence of Plainfield, Ill., died Saturday, October 21, 2023 after battling neuroendocrine carcinoma. He was 69.

Vernon Lewis Lawrence was born in the Brookings, South Dakota Hospital on February 11, 1954, to Vernon and Marcella Lawrence. Vern was nicknamed "Corker" by his mother, and he was known as "Corky" and "Cork" by his parents and six siblings for much of his life. He proved to be a corker, too, with a strong will and independent nature, shown early on when he was put in his playpen to keep him in place - but he escaped by taking it apart. Vern was a smart, strong, confident man, and he had a lifelong love of learning, especially about history and science.

Vern spent his early years in Brookings, SD, and in 1966 the Lawrences moved to the family farm outside of Estelline, SD. Vern had been going to the farm for years with his dad and Grandpa Lewis Lawrence, and he was a great help to them. Vern was always willing to bale hay, tossing the heavy bales around with ease. He was regularly hired by neighbors and it helped him make a few dollars and build muscle. In later years, he manifested his love of the land by cultivating amazing vegetable gardens in his backyard.

Growing up, Vern was very active and outdoors constantly. He was a natural athlete, known for his speed and strength. Throughout school he played football, baseball, basketball, ran track and was also a good hunter and trapper.

After graduating from Estelline High School in 1972, Vern enlisted in the Army. He then attended South Dakota State University and Dakota State College, where he earned a degree in history. His life changed in 1976 in Madison, SD, when he met Deb Thompson and her son Jeremy. When Vern and Deb married in Sioux Falls on August 13, 1977, Jeremy became his son in every sense. They added three more children, Les, Nikki and Michelle.

He worked a variety of jobs, from farming to highway construction to fast food, but he found his niche in the Chicago area as a top salesman for an oil company. Vern was witty, friendly, dependable, and he worked hard, making sure his clients received top-flight service.

Vern always liked to cook, dating back to the 1960s when he made enormous pancakes for Grandpa Lawrence on the farm. He enjoyed preparing meals when his kids would have sleepovers. His kids enjoyed tacos and burritos in the evening and stacks of pancakes in the morning! He also was known to bake hundreds of cookies every Christmas season for his customers, family and friends.

Vern loved sports, and he enjoyed coaching his boys' soccer and baseball teams. He loved the Chicago Cubs and had a major obsession with the Minnesota Vikings. He attended many professional games over the years, and loved to share time at them with family. But his favorite athletes were his children and grandchildren. He was at their games to support them and cheer them on. Vern was their number one fan.

Vern's children and grandchildren were his pride and joy and his greatest legacy. He loved them deeply and made sure they knew it, in his loving words, generous spirit and in the time he spent with them.

Vern is survived by his loving partner, Deb; four children: Jeremy (Lisa), Les, Nikki (Matt), and Michelle (Micah); eleven grandchildren: Justin, Tyler, Ben, Will, Ethan, Madison, Luke, Nate, Kyra, Lily, and Alex; five siblings: Deborah (Larry), Tom (Grace), Julie (Anthony), Mary (Kevin) and Chad. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Anita (Richard).

Vern's parting words of advice for his family and friends were to cherish life, enjoy time with your loved ones, take vacations and make sure to value every day.

The family will hold a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cancer Research Institute, at https://www.cancerresearch.org/