Vernon David Kressin

Vernon David Kressin peacefully passed to his next adventure, in Lakeland, Florida on November 25, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Vernon was born October 2, 1936, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Valborg (Trandum) and Delmar Kressin. He was the middle sibling, predeceased by his older brother Roger and survived by his younger sister Marilyn. Vernon married Geraldine Laatch in 1958 and together they traveled, laughed, raised three children and enjoyed friends and family along the way. Growing up and raising their family in Colfax, Wisconsin, they opted for new adventures and moved to Lakeland, Florida in 1986.

Vernon was drafted into the United States Army in 1958. He received an honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant/E6 in 1964. After his time in the Army and Wisconsin National Guard, Vernon served his hometown as Colfax municipal justice, a member of Colfax’s Fire and Rescue Squad, and participated in other community organizations and events. A partner in Ray and Vern’s Metal Works for several years, Vern also developed land for additional housing in Colfax.

More than anything, Vernon was a lifelong craftsman who built and repaired homes and structures in Colfax, Lakeland, and abroad on behalf of the Lakeland First United Methodist’s missionary program.

Vern was known for his stories, which tended to include great amounts of detail, making them rather lengthy. He was also very proud of his 1954 Colfax High School football team (he was an All-State tackle) that was never scored upon. He was a man who always put others first and taught his family to do the same.

Vernon leaves behind a legacy of faith, goodness and dedication and love of family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Geraldine; his children, Lori, Susan, and Michael; his grandchildren, Erika, Madison, and Kylie; his great grandchildren, Bentley, and Elio; his sister, Marilyn (Kressin) Leisch; his sister in-law Patsy (Laatch) Suckow and many more family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

A military service is planned at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL on January 16, 2025, at 2:00 pm