Lavern Garth Wheaton

Lavern "Vern" Garth Wheaton, 92, of Grand Haven, took his final bow on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Robbinswood Assisted Living. Born on July 21, 1932, in Muskegon, MI, to the late Garth and Bernyce (Estlack) Wheaton, Vern packed in nearly a century of stories, laughter, and just the right amount of mischief.

He was a proud graduate of St. Mary's School in Muskegon, Class of 1951, where he met his wife, Mary Jean (Vander Veen). They shared almost 71 years of marriage; a true testament to love, partnership, and Mary Jean's saint-like patience.

Vern proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956, during the Korean Conflict. Afterward, he spent 29 years as a Maintenance Engineer at Sealed Power, ensuring things ran smoothly. A devout member of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Catholic Parish, he also took great pride in his memberships with the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post 28 and the V.F.W. Sgt. Alvin Jonker Post 2326.

But let's be honest, Vern's true talent was storytelling. Some of his tales were factual, others…let's say they were "embellished for dramatic effect." His command of the English language was uniquely his own, rivaling the likes of Archie Bunker, and his colorful vocabulary could make even the boldest sailor blush. Often embarrassing, always entertaining.

A garage sale connoisseur, Vern had a remarkable ability to find "hidden treasures" (some might call it junk) and then swear he'd owned them since childhood. He spent countless hours in his workshop crafting one-of-a-kind birdhouses, organizing his ever- growing collection of nuts and bolts, and amassing more Snapple caps than anyone could possibly need. His ability to drive his loved ones delightfully crazy was unparalleled, and we wouldn't have had it any other way.

Now, free of wheelchairs and cleared to eat whatever he pleases, Vern is undoubtedly enjoying the great beyond on his own terms; most likely regaling anyone who'll listen with his best (and worst) stories, a stack of newspaper clippings in hand.

Vern will forever be loved and remembered by his wife, Mary Jean, and their four children: Shari (Glenn) Sigsby, Patti (Jeff) Rotz, Sandi (John) Ryke, and Paul (Shari) Wheaton. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Rachel (Greg) Laux, Emily Sigsby (Luke Balagia), Kiel (Mary Grace) Rotz, Shane (Rachel) Ryke, Sean (Krystal) Ryke, Alicia (Derek) Bereza, Charlie Wheaton, and Michael Wheaton; seven great-grandchildren; two bonus grandchildren, Ian and Zoë; and many friends from Robbinswood Assisted Living who will no doubt miss his antics.

He is now reunited with those who went before him, including his parents; his grandson, Brandon Rotz; and his sister, Nicola Kresmery.

So here's to Vern; husband, father, grandpa, veteran, storyteller, collector of all things unnecessary, and the most lovable troublemaker we ever had the pleasure of knowing. We'll miss you always, but we know you're up there somewhere, spinning a yarn and making the angels shake their heads.

The Memorial Service for Vern will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with Fr. Dan Schumaker officiating. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28.
 

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