Vernon Joseph 'Vern' Koerner, 91, Hays, passed away Sunday, October 12, 2025 at Hays Good Samaritan Society.
He was born December 14, 1933, in Hays, the son of James and Isabella (Dinges) Koerner. He graduated from Hays High School in 1952, where he excelled in sports, including track, baseball, and earned two-time All-State honors as a guard in football. Immediately after graduation, Vern entered the U.S. Army. He was initially stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, was deployed to Korea for three years, and he was discharged in 1956. One of Vern’s favorite stories about his time in Korea was when the New York Yankees came over for exhibition baseball games against an all-star team of surrounding Army bases. During those games, Vern connected for a few hits off the Yankees' pitchers and even successfully stole a few bases.
Upon returning to Hays, he married his sweetheart, Remigia 'Midge' Schuvie, on May 25, 1957. They shared 68 wonderful years of marriage and welcomed their son, Kevin, in 1960. Vern's career path in Hays included working at Mammel's Grocery Store and Staab Plumbing and Repair. He then began a long career with the United States Postal Service, from which he retired after 32 years of service. For many years, he was a half-owner of the beloved Koerner-Staab Liquor Store with his friend, Charlie Staab. An avid golfer, Vern loved the game. His brother, LeRoy, was his favorite person for a twosome, but he loved playing with everyone and cherished the many friendships he made on the course. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting, but his most cherished activity was spending time with his family and playing with his grandchildren. He often spoke about the joy they brought him.
He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, the St. Joseph Third Degree Knights of Columbus Council #1325, the Bishop Cunningham Fourth Degree Assembly #282, Hays VFW Post #9076, Hays American Legion Post #173, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Vern is survived by his loving wife Midge, of the home; his son Kevin Koerner and wife Lynn of Hays; his sister Jan Girvan and husband Jim of Hays; and his brother Dale Koerner and wife Lois of Lawrence. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren Shea Koerner and wife Anne Drees of Centennial, Colorado and Annastasia Rose Koerner of Denver, Colorado; his great-granddaughter Cecilia Rose Bird of Denver, Colorado, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Isabella Koerner and his brother, LeRoy Koerner.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Brian McCaffrey officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Wednesday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Thursday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. The Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm, a vigil service will be at 6:00 pm, followed by a combined third and fourth degree Knights of Columbus rosary, all on Wednesday at the funeral home. Private family inurnment with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will be in St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to A Different Mindset Association or for masses. Condolences and memories of Vern may be left for his family at www.haysmemorial.com