Vernon W. Staerkel, age 89, passed away at Aurora Medical Center, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, February 14, 2023. He was born in Oshkosh on August 18, 1933, the son of the late Julius and Bertha (Schuff) Staerkel. On January 21, 1956 he married his wife of 67 years, Shirley Schlichting. Vernon graduated from Oshkosh High School and attended U.W. Oshkosh for a year. He was proud to serve in the U.S. Navy, serving in the Korean Conflict. Vernon loved his job as a firefighter for the City of Oshkosh for 34 years, retiring in 1988 as a Captain. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending his winters with Shirley in the Florida Keys. He had a strong faith and attended Zion Lutheran church. Vernon will be remembered for being a wonderful husband, and proud father and grandfather, his strong faith, and chasing around his beloved dog, Mousie.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Shirley; children: Victoria Staerkel, Vernon R. Staerkel and Kent (Jodi) Staerkel; grandchildren: Courtney Kraut, Tyler and Cody Staerkel, and Morgan, Jake and Riley Staerkel; great-grandson, Dawson Kraut; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers and sisters: Julius (Carmen) Staerkel, Russell (Anne) Staerkel, Infant David Staerkel, Lillian Hunter, Ruth (Don) Quallman, Naomi Staerkel and Suzanne Staerkel.

A visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 20, 2023 at ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH, 400 N. Sawyer St., Oshkosh, with Rev. Jeffrey Knoll officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Memorial Park, Oshkosh. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Vernon's name is being established for Zion Lutheran Church.

The family expresses a special thank you to the entire staff at Aurora Medical Center for their wonderful care, especially the second floor and ICU.