Allen Charles Upchurch "Vern", was born April 11, 1949 to Alton & Arleen (Buchanan) Upchurch in Appleton, WI. Al was a 1967 graduate of Appleton.
After four and a half years of fighting colon cancer on September 27, 2005, our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend died a very, very, needlessly long and agonizing death, surrounded by his family at home. He was a great man, always willing to lend a hand, crack a joke and enjoy a beer or two with friends.

He will be sadly missed by his devoted wife of 26 years, Cindy; a loving daughter, Jodi; his best friend and partner in crime, his son, Joshua and his wife Jennifer, and her parents, Russ & Karen Borchardt; his precious sister, Aleen & her wonderful husband Bob VanDyke; his special mother in law, Shirley (Merle) Marsh; his favorite loving sister in law, Tina and his Door County Lawyer brother in law, Joe Korn. His annual fishing and cocktail partner Rob & Laurie Hicks and his two other great brothers in law and their wives, Troy and Samantha Hicks and Mark and Nancy Hicks, who always sent the most beautiful cards, which made him feel your love. He is further survived by his special nieces and nephews, Rachel and Brant Korn, Jason and Sue Hicks, Bob and Amber Hicks, Kris and Steve Gunther, Nick & Sara VanDyke, Molly Hicks and her fiancé, Derrick, Megan Hicks, and Katie & Mike "Sparky" Starr.
Though he wasn't able to meet his own grandchildren, he took great joy in seeing his great nieces and nephews, even if at times only in photos, they are Chelsea and Courtney Gunther, McKensie and Jacob VanDyke, Riley and Kendra Hicks, and Madison and Claire Hicks. Al was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, his father in law, Robert Hicks, and his beloved dog, MaGee.

Very special thanks to his lifelong friends, Tony Wiegand, John Singer, and his son Matt; Nancy Pappas, Rick Schmidt, Ron & Betty Solberg, and Dave & Vickie Davidson for making a point to include him in the hunting and fishing trips, and keeping him abreast of the BS at the SCA Tissue Mill, where he was employed for over 33 years. We are also very thankful to Keith (Kelly) Kosmoski, Mel & Mary Burskeg, Steve & Julie Coopman and so many other co-workers at the SCA Mill for their charitable support throughout the years. You don't realize how special you all are, but we, his family, do and will never forget all that you've done.

Al and his family were blessed with the best neighbors ever; Dick & Linda Rose; Shad, Jenny & little Quinn Dewitt; Gene & Blanche Vanoudenhoven; Mae Kratske; and Ted & Gladys Schwandt and Dot. The many meals the Rose family made, the yard work that was done and just the prayers that I'm sure gave Al the positive attitude to keep fighting as long as he did. You are all wonderful. Many thanks to the great staff at Fox Valley Hematology and Oncology and the Martha Siekman Cancer Center during his many treatments. Bless you ladies. To the staff at Theda Care, you will never be forgotten. Thank you for trying to comfort Al in his final hours.

Al did not want a funeral service. He wanted his life to be celebrated, so there will be an informal party at the Eagles Club, 1338 S. Commercial St., in Neenah, on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. A memorial fund is being established for Vern's future grandchildren. Please family and friends, let's do him proud and party down. VLDGS FISH ON!