Vernon Conzemius

Vernon, the son of Leo Sr and Sophie (Vasseur) Conzemius, was born in St. Paul, MN on October 31, 1937. He grew up working on the family farm and his first job was feeding the chickens and pigs. While participating in 4-H and FFA, he was awarded MN State tractor driving champion. His lifelong love of animals and mechanics started here.

A proud graduate of Hastings High School in 1956, Vernon joined the MN National Guard Reserves and was later activated in the Air Force by President Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis, serving as an airplane mechanic. His dedication to his country and skill in mechanics were evident throughout his life.

In 1964, at a city Valentine's Day dance, he met the love of his life, Mary Lou Breyer. He pursued her, swept her off her feet and they were married at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Hastings on November 21, 1964. Four weeks ago, they celebrated 59 years married. They were blessed with 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and many memories over the years.

Vernon was a man of many jobs and talents. He had a distinguished nearly 40-year career at 3M Chemolite and co-ran Hastings Truck Leising with his wife for over 20 years. After retirement from both jobs, he continued tinkering, fixing and creating all things mechanical. He then took a side job and worked on bus engines for Hastings Bus Company.

Vern spent numerous hours in his truck garage and his garden. From his earliest memories, his hands were dirty, either from the soil or the grease of engines. If it was mechanical, Vern would work on it and usually fix it. From milking machines, farm tractors, boats, airplanes, buses, cars to semi trucks - he would figure it out.

Vernon's kind heart, love for animals and nature, and his brilliant mechanical mind will be missed by many. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Grace Hospice and Hastings Senior Health and Living Community for their loving and compassionate care.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Sr and Sophie; his sister Virginia Trettle and infant brother John.

Vernon is survived by his wife, MaryLou (Breyer); daughters, Lori Conzemius and Anita (Todd) Schneider; grandkids, Jessie Jesinski, Mitchell Watkins and Elizabeth Schneider; great grandkids Jala and Kali; brother Leo Jr (Geri) Conzemius, sisters Gloria (Gene) Hippe, Ann (Dick) Paulson and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Grace Hospice or Hastings Senior Health and Living Community, as his lovely wife resides there.

A celebration of Vernon's remarkable life will be held at 3 pm on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, with a private family interment at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery in Hastings, Mn.