Robert Norman Vernlund

Robert (Bob) Norman Vernlund, 82, passed away on 29 September 2025. Born 9 March 1943 in Lansing MI to Norman Vernlund and Amelia Wells. He grew up and graduated High School in Toronto, South Dakota. He earned his Bachelors degree from SDSU and was commissioned through the ROTC program. On 5 Sept 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Olyda Ann Lenning. Together they had two daughters, Jodyne Ann Budenaers, and Erika Ann Anderson. Upon graduation from pilot training, Bob started an Air Force career at March Airbase, CA where he retired 24 years later as a Colonel. During those 24 years he obtained many flying hours, a Masters in Aeronautical science, graduated Air War College and moved his family 19 times while traveling the world. After retirement he served Chamber of Commerce VP in Moreno Valley, CA. He eventually missed the airplanes and transitioned to a job instructing B2 Bomber pilots at Whiteman Airbase, MO. Bob enjoyed all his jobs, but mostly his family and friends. He loved the outdoors (fishing, camping, hunting…) and tinkering. He loved to fix, create or play with just about anything (potato shooters, drones, cards, igloos). He could tell a story like no other, loved poetry, but loved his wife of 62 years the most!

Bob is survived by his wife, Olyda of Louisville, KY; daughter Jodyne (Gregg) of Louisville, KY; daughter Erika (Brendan) of Columbus GA; six grandchildren, Rachel and Noah Budenaers, Aidan, Owen, Annika and Ainsley Anderson; one great grandchild, Maria Magdalena Anderson; one sister, Avis Kreger of Kent, WA and dearest friends, Milo and Keith Bjerke of Waseca, MN. He was a life long Lutheran and services will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church, Louisville KY.

Visitation will be from 5:00pm – 7:00pm, Friday, October 10, 2025 at Ratterman Brothers, East Louisville (12900 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40243). Funeral Service will be 10:30am on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at Concordia Lutheran Chruch (1127 E. Broadway, Louisville, KY 40204) with a lunch-in after. Burial will follow after the lunch-in follow at Floydsburg Cemetery, Crestwood, KY.