Vern Rodman Hatch

Vern Rodman Hatch passed away suddenly, at the age of 90, on November 21,2025 and was met by the loving extended arms of his Creator and Blessed Lord. He was born on April 30,1935 in Itasca County, Minnesota, to the late Violet and Clarence Hatch. He always wanted to live longer than his dad, a goal he accomplished by three months. Vern was a 1954 graduate of Godwin Heights High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was employed by Consumers Power in Michigan for almost 36 years, where he progressed from lineman to District Manager. He was happily retired almost as long as his employment there.

Two years after graduating from high school, he married his high school sweetheart, best friend, and soul mate, Rose Marie Swanberg. Together they raised five beautiful children. Following Vern's retirement, he and Rose traveled back and forth to Gulf Shores, Alabama for a few years. Eventually, they built a home in The Villages, Florida, where they settled permanently. After almost 45 years of marriage, the Lord took Rose Marie to heaven on June 5, 2000.

God has a plan for all of us. Little did Vern know that the plan for him was to find love again when Barbara Jacques came into his life. Vern and Barb became husband and wife on April 28, 2001. They moved into and shared a lovely home in The Villages where they were blessed with almost 25 years together.

Vern loved adventures and traveling. At the age of 67 he got a motorcycle license. He and Barb then purchased a Gold Wing Trike and traveled extensively. Barb also had her motorcycle license which allowed for shared driving responsibilities. A few years later, they transitioned to traveling in a motor home which was a bit more comfortable! Vern and Barb visited all but four states and portions of Canada in their motor home or on their motorcycle. Vern especially enjoyed his Thursday weekly lunches with former RV Club guys. He was a "Mr. Fix-it" guy, who was always full of surprises and stories.

Over the last few years, Vern developed a mutually affectionate relationship with Tom and Stacy's dog, Teddy, fondly known as his Grand dog. Teddy's favorite place was to be with Papa, where he got lots of treats, bougie dog food, twice daily walks, numerous naps, and unending cuddles. Teddy is still waiting for Papa to come home so they can take another walk.

Vern was pre-deceased by his parents, his first wife Rose Marie Hatch, his daughter Christine Riposo, and sister Arlene Hatch. Vern is survived by his wife Barbara, his daughters, Laura Boyd (Jim), Elaine Lueck (Joe), Karen Parker (Bill), son Steven Hatch (Sheri), step-son Thomas Jacques (Stacy), and grandchildren Jourdan (Hatch) Schumacher (Jake), Carmela Riposo (Nick), Amanda Riposo (Seunghan Kim), Collin and Jensen Hatch, Liam, Hayden, and Ross Parker, Danielle Turner (James), Thomas Jacques and three great grandchildren, Ellis and Eisley Schumacher and Kinsley Turner.

The viewing will take place on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Baldwin Brothers, 1008 Bichara Blvd between the hours of 2-4 P.M. A funeral mass will be held at St. Timothy's Catholic Church, Paige Place at 8:30 A.M. on Tuesday, December 16,2025. Vern will be laid to rest at the Lone Oaks Cemetery in Leesburg, FL. Memorial contributions can be made to The Fisher House, 1601 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608 or your favorite charity.