VERNON N. MAILAND, 90 of Grant, passed away Monday March 14, 2016 at the Perkins County Hospital in Grant.
Vernon was born October 27, 1925 in Seward County, Nebraska to John and Erna (Buehrer) Mailand. Vernon was the oldest of 2 children, and grew up north of Grant. He attended country school, before graduating from Perkins County High School.
In 1944, Vernon was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served during WWII in the Pacific Theatre. Following his discharge in 1946, Vernon returned to the Grant area and on June 5, 1949, was united in marriage to Naomi Gordon at Trinity Lutheran Church. The couple made their home north of Grant where they farmed and raised their 4 children. The couple moved into town in 2002.
Vernon was a longtime member of the Trinity Lutheran Church north of Grant. He was also a member of the American Legion and VFW in Grant. Vernon was highly active in the Grant Senior Center, and enjoyed playing cards, playing pool, and fishing. He also held his pilot's license for several years and enjoyed flying his Piper J-3 Cub.
Vernon was preceded in death by his wife, Naomi in 2005; brothers-in-law Bernard Kuskie, Darrell Gordon, John Gordon, Eldon Armknecht, and Laverne Frosh and sisters-in-law Sharon Gordon, Aileen Lindenmuth and Pauline Armknecht.
Survivors include his children, Sherry (Don) Roehrs of North Platte, Kathy (Mark) Hueftle of Holdrege, John (Jane) Mailand of Lincoln, Steve (Kathy) Mailand of Grant; sister, Darlene Kuskie of Grant; 10 grandchildren, Matt (Mendi) and Brian (Ashley) Roehrs, Aaron (Kate) Hueftle, Ben (Andrea) and Micah (Hannah) Mailand, Christa Linsenmeyer, Elisha (David) Sack, Michaela (Sebastian) Miller, and Calla and Brady Mailand; 16 great-grandchildren; a special friend, Pearl Kuskie; and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established in Vernon's memory for later designation by the family. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com where the services will be streamed live for those unable to attend.
Services will be on Friday, March 18, 2016 at 3:00 PM at the Trinity Lutheran Church north of Grant with Pastor Wayne Pick officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Keith County Veteran's Organizations will be in the Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Thursday, from 1:00-7:00 p.m. at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.