Vernon Vodehnal Obituary

Vernon C. Vodehnal

November 8, 1945 - February 23, 2024

OMAHA/formerly GRAND ISLAND - Vernon C. Vodehnal, 78, of Omaha, NE, formerly of Grand Island, NE, died Friday, February, 23, 2024, at University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE. Mr. Vodehnal's wish was to be cremated.

Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Resurrection Catholic Church. The Rev. Thomas A. Ryan will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time Saturday, at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family for designation at a later date. To share Vern's love for the Nebraska Cornhuskers the family requests you wear Husker gear or casual attire. You are encouraged to sign Vern's guestbook at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under his obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Vern was born November 8, 1945, in Grand Island, NE. He was the son of Paul and Wilma (Kluge) Vodehnal. He attended St. Mary's Grade School and graduated from Grand Island Sr. High School in 1964.

He married Louise Spotanski on August 11, 1965, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grand Island, NE. They lived in Grand Island and Vern was employed at Cook's Paint for five years. In 1970, Vern was relocated to Nebraska City where he held a management position with Cook's Paint.

Vern and his family moved back to Grand Island and then had the opportunity to move to Lexington, NE and took a position at New Holland. After 10 years, the journey brought them back to Grand Island to be closer to family. Vern finished his work career with Triad and Standard Iron.

Vern's hands were never idle. He loved creating things from woodworking to cross-stitching. Rumor has it he owns stock in Hobby Lobby and Menards. Another passion of Vern's life was spending time outdoors. Camping, fishing, and gardening, were some of his favorites. He was a perfectionist when it came to his lawn. He rode miles and miles on his mower, smiling from ear to ear making sure lines were always straight.

Vern also loved doing things with close friends. Many adventures, memories, stories, were shared through the years. Above all, Vern's family was extremely important to him along with his faith. He loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, (especially watching them at their ball games on Saturday afternoons).

Being an only child, Vern loved his extended family including sisters-in-law and brothers-in law, along with his nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews, equally, alongside his two favorite cats, Paisley and Misty. People will miss hearing his famous "cat" stories. His family was his number one priority and everyone knew that!

Vern was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Omaha, NE and a past member of Resurrection Catholic Church in Grand Island, NE. He was also involved in the Knights of Columbus.

Vern is survived by his wife of 58 years, Louise Vodehnal of Omaha, NE; daughter, Marsha (Eric) Edquist of Omaha, NE; son, Mike (Julie) Vodehnal of Overland Park, KS; three grandchildren: Brett, Luke, and Molly Vodehnal.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Wilma Vodehnal.