Vern George Oaks, Jr., 81, of Superior, died at his residence on Wednesday, October 12, 2022.

Vern was born in Superior on September 27, 1941, the son of Bernice (Gorsuch) and Vern Oaks, Sr.

After graduating from Central High School, Vern received his bachelor's degree in English at UW-Superior. He taught high school English in Osceola, WI, for three years before entering the US Army, serving from 1966 to 1969, and obtaining the rank of staff sergeant. While serving in Saigon, Vietnam, his duties included writing combat awards and eulogies for officers to give to families of fallen soldiers.

After his honorable discharge, Vern attended UW-Superior and received a master's degree in Speech Communication. Upon graduation, he attended police school in Green Bay, WI. Afterward, he became employed by the Douglas County Sheriff's Department, working until retirement in October 1995. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, shooting sports, gardening, and literature.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Joshua Oaks.

Vern is survived by his daughter, Amanda (Anthony Buscemi) Oaks; son, Jeremy (Keaunna) Oaks; granddaughter, Isabella Buscemi; former wife, Ellen Oaks; sisters, Janice Tillema, Elenore Schoeverling, Susan Goyette, and Laura (Daniel) Rakitnichan; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 20, from 5:00 p.m. until the 6:00 p.m. funeral service at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N 19th St., Superior, with Gary Banker as officiant.

Burial will be on Friday, October 21, at 9:00 a.m. in Greenwood Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435.