Vernon E. Klabunde, age 88, of Oshkosh, died peacefully on January 5, 2013 at Park View Health Center, Oshkosh. He was born on February 3, 1924 in Waushara County, son of the late Emil and Meta (Collies) Klabunde. He married Evelyn Nidey on September 29, 1945. They made their home in Oshkosh, where he farmed all of his life. He was proud to serve in the U.S. Army from 1944-1945.

He is survived by his daughter, Carol; sons: Emil (Wendy) and Robert (Sandy); daughters-in-law: Marilyn Klabunde and Gail Klabunde, all of Oshkosh; sisters: Teona Klabunde of Stevens Point and Bonnie Wellens of Almond, WI; grandchildren: Tim (Angela) Klabunde, Tom (Special friend, Krissy Nigl) and Melissa (Robert) Fryday, Donald Klabunde, Beth Bullock and Kristopher (Courtney) Bullock; six great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Barbara Klabunde; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn; sons, Larry and John; brothers: Harvey, Henry and William; sister, Marie (Franklin) Otto; and brother-in-law, Joe Wellens, Sr.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at GRACE EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 508 County Rd. M, Pickett, with Rev. Judd Krohn officiating. Burial will be in Liberty Prairie Cemetery, Pickett.

A very special thank you to Park View Health Care Center, Lakeside 2, for the special care they gave Vernon over the eight months he was there. Further, a heartfelt thank you to Vern's daughter, Carol, for the wonderful care of her father.