Vernon "Skip" Landsness

1945 - 2025

Vernon F. "Skip" Landsness, age 80, of Lexington, passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center in Nashville, Tenn. He was born on May 23, 1945, in Madison, Wis., the son of George E. Landsness, Sr. and Betty (Whiting) Landsness and spent most of his life in and around the Madison area before moving to Tennessee when he retired in 2012. He was married to Debra Waagen on August 19, 1995, in Keyeser, Wis. Skip was born with a wanderlust that never faded, and he and Deb loved to travel whenever they had the opportunity. They had visited 39 of the 50 states together since their marriage. He was a Vietnam-era US Army veteran serving from 1962 to 1965 and he traveled extensively while he was stationed in northern Italy. He was a 39-year member of the American Legion Post 501, he was also a member of American Mensa, the Exchange Club and many other organizations. Skip is survived by his loving wife, Deb, of thirty years and her wonderful family; a son, Chris (Missy); and four granddaughters, Taylor, Molly, Morgan and Lacey; a brother, James (Linda); a sister, Dorene Hensler; a very special great-niece, Elise; "daughter", Teri; and many other nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Ronald, George Jr. and Robert; sister-in-law, Doris; and two sisters, JoAnn and Sandra.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Spring Prairie Lutheran Church, N509 County Road C, DeForest, WI. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow with military honors at the Burke Lutheran Church Cemetery, 5720 Portage Road, Madison. Following the burial, a luncheon will be served at the Spring Prairie Lutheran Church.