Lavern "Vernie" Ptacek, 81, Owatonna
Lavern “Vernie” William Ptacek, 81, of Owatonna, died Sept. 20, 2024, at his home.
Friends may greet the family from 9:30-11:15 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 810 S. Cedar Ave., Owatonna. Prior to the visitation, a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 9:15 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m., with interment to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Owatonna.
Lavern was born to Joe and Irene (Wanous) Ptacek in Owatonna on May 4, 1943. He grew up on a farm in rural Owatonna. He graduated from Owatonna High School in 1961 and was a member of the Army National Guard. He worked at Owatonna Tool Company and Federated Insurance Company, both in Owatonna. He also worked for many years driving a ready-mix truck. But his favorite job was farming with his dad and later with his son and grandson.
On Jan. 7, 1967, he married Patricia Schley at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna. Together they raised two children: a son, Jeff, and a daughter, Jelaine. Vernie and Pat were married 57 years.
Lavern loved being outdoors, helping the Pratt Commanders 4-H Club, and watching his kids and grandkids play sports. He loved getting together with family and friends, visiting and playing cards. And he also enjoyed vacations with family and friends.
Lavern is survived by his wife Pat; son Jeff (Cheryl) Ptacek of Owatonna; daughter Jelaine (Jeff) Gwilt of Blooming Prairie; grandchildren: Alicia (Cory) Johnson, Scott Ptacek, Katlin (Nick) Peterson, Devin Gwilt, Kaci (Cale) Henderson and Jessica Gwilt; great-grandchildren: Carson, Bay, and Gunner Johnson, and Haven and Hadley Thordor. He is also survived by his sister Nancy (Dave) Garner of Deerfield, Wis.; and mother-in-law Shirley Schley of Owatonna.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Melvin and Joey; and granddaughter Ann Gwilt.
Vernie’s family wants to express a big thank you to all the help from St. Croix Hospice, especially Erika and Connie.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Mary’s School or Healthy Seniors, both of Owatonna, or the donor’s choice.