Vernon Arthur

Vernon H. Arthur, 68, of Waverly, Iowa, passed away suddenly on Thursday evening, February 21, 2019 at his home, of natural causes.

       Vern was born on December 15, 1950 in Oelwein, Iowa, the son of Donna (Meyer) and Earl Arthur.  He grew up on the Arthur family dairy farm near Maynard, Iowa.  He was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Maynard and was active in 4-H, FFA, football, basketball and baseball.  Following graduation from West Central High School, in 1969, Vern attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he received a baseball scholarship as a pitcher.  Following his education, Vern began his lifelong career in the concrete construction industry.  He worked for Hawkins and Kiewit in Omaha before moving to Waverly Iowa in 1989.  In Waverly, Vern worked for Cedar Valley Corp., Rainbow Concrete and finally Croell Redi-Mix, where he was employed at the time of his passing.

            On October 6, 1979, Vern was united in marriage to his college sweetheart, Jo Ellen TeKrony in Omaha, Nebraska.  The couple was blessed with four sons.

            Vern grew up in a family of dairy farmers and never lost his love for the occupation.  Throughout his life he assisted, attended and was forever involved with dairy farming activities.  Vern was a master of concrete and a jack of all other trades.  As the master of concrete, Vern was consulted for many major projects over the years that included airport runways, wind turbine foundations and interstate highways in Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri.  As a jack of other trades, Vern’s talents included woodworking and landscaping for himself and anyone needing advice or assistance.  Vern loved coaching youth sports and watching his sons in their many sporting events.  He also enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. 

            Vern is survived by his wife, Jo, four sons, Aaron (Danielle) of Charleston, West Virginia, Andrew (Kristen) of Conroe, Texas, Austin of Naples, Florida and Alex (Rachel) of Baytown, Texas; nine grandchildren, Gavin, Houston, Rowen, Peytin, Greyson, Colton, Hannah, Logan and Aubree; four sisters, Lois Eggerth of Cherokee, Iowa, Betty (Ernie) Cox of Prescott, Arizona, Joyce Geistkemper of Fayette, Iowa and Eleanor (Jim) Miner Hageman of Calmar, Iowa; three brothers, Rodney (Becky) Arthur of Loveland, Colorado, Myron (Janet) Arthur of Oelwein, Iowa and Jerry (Florida) Arthur of Norwalk, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jo’s parents; one sister, Eileen Arthur; and two brothers, Gene and Bernard; three brothers-in-law, Robert Eggerth, Jim Geistkemper and Brooks Miner; and one niece, Marcia Wilhelmi.

Visitation will be on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at the Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.            

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 1, 2019 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Waverly, with Pastor Carolyn Bowers officiating.  Vern’s body will be cremated after the funeral service.  Visitation will be on Thursday, February 28, 2019 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly, and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Vern Arthur Memorial Foundation, P.O. Box 172, Waverly, Iowa 50677 or https://www.gofundme.com/manage/vernon-arthur-memorial-fund.

Online condolences may be left at www.kaisercorson.com.  Kaiser-Corson Funeral Home in Waverly is assisting the family.  319-352-1187