Vernon V. Pinkowski PhD, 87 entered God's arms on February 10th 2017 surrounded by family and friends. Devoted husband of Antoinette “Toni” Pinkowski. Loving father of Mark (Andria), Sandi and Timothy (Mary.) Loving brother of Carol Weishan and Esther Epperly (Guy) who preceded him in death. Beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. All these and many more will remember the best of times at Fishtrap Lake and the Highbridge Farm.

After being Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Air Force, Vern was an educator and school administrator at a number of public schools in Wisconsin. As an author he wrote books on prominent Wisconsinite's to include "Mary Plummer "Sweetheart of Pepin County", "Helen Parkhurst - Educator", "Elizabeth Clarke Hardy - Wife, Writer, Farmer, Poet and Editor." Vern also wrote "A Pathway to Pepin County's Stone Age People and "A Twisted Pig's Tale." He was an avid outdoorsman and loved his Northern Wisconsin woods and lakes.

Funeral Mass will be 11:30 AM Monday, February 20, 2017 at St. Mary Assumption Catholic Church in Durand. Rev. Don Schmitz will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Durand American Legion Post #181 of Durand. Visitation will be from 10:30 AM until the time of Services at the church on Monday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Tim Tschumperlin February 28, 2017, at 10:23pm

   I was sorry to hear about your loss. I have fond memories of Vern when he was working at DHS. Let us know what we can do to help.

2. Joanne Hewitt February 28, 2017, at 6:13am

   Sympathy to Vernons family. May your happy your happy memories give you peace. God Bless

3. Nancy and Mark Weinreich February 19, 2017, at 8:11pm

   Dear Toni and family,
   So glad to have been able to meet Vern and to read his wonderful books. We extend our sympathy to you, and that you find comfort knowing he is now in our Lord's eternal home.

4. Paul and Sue Hoch February 15, 2017, at 11:29am

   Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.

5. Patti Blount February 15, 2017, at 10:57am

   Sympathy to the family during this difficult time. Vern was a very nice man to talk and assist at the Library.

6. Dave and Kris Polzer February 14, 2017, at 6:13pm

   Thinking about you Toni and family at this time of your loss. Didn't realize just how much Vern had accomplished in his life. What talent.

   Sincerely,
   Dave and Kris Polzer

7. Arlene Graykowski Rhein February 13, 2017, at 8:06pm

   Sorry to hear of Vernons passing. He was my first cousin and Godfather. My parents were Wesley and Margie Graykowski. I regret that my husband and I cannot be with you at this time. Our prayers and thoughts go out for Vernon's family. May he rest in peace.

8. Jon & Patty Pfeilsticker February 13, 2017, at 3:46pm

   Toni & family, our sympathy to you all.

9. Judy john parr February 13, 2017, at 1:39pm

   Sorry to read of your loss take care we are thinking of you

10. James W. Holmes February 12, 2017, at 9:55pm

    What does an old man say when he loses his only big brother? Surely thoughts and tears will suffice for the two of us, making words superfluous, Vern. But knowing where you already are and where I shall surely go --- partly because of you --- I just want to add: "Good show, My Brother --- see you soon!"

11. Jan Drier February 12, 2017, at 3:14pm

    My Sincere Sympathy to you and your family Toni!

12. Todd Bjurquist February 12, 2017, at 12:48pm

    Toni and family NY deepest condolences! I enjoyed visiting with Vern very much. He reminded me of a lot of my dad...which I also enjoyed! I never knew Vern was such an accomplished man! Rest in peace Vern...you are missed at the care center!
    Todd Bjurquist
    Cook
    P.C.C.C.

13. David Epperly February 11, 2017, at 6:02pm

    Once Upon A Lake in the North

    It's early dawn, a man strikes a match and lights his pipe as he watches the mist rise from the water. The sun filtered behind, how beautiful he thought.

    He cast his line interrupting the water. Water so still it mirrored the surrounding hills in the bay, reflecting trees so perfectly, making lake and shore look as one. The ripples dissolved the image until they subsided and the reflection returned. A loon cries. How beautiful he reckoned.

    His worries dissipated. All was at peace.
    This is heaven I think.

    So peaceful and still ... a man smokes his pipe and thinks ...

    Once upon a lake in the north

    Godspeed Uncle Vern

View More Posts ( # )