Vernon Harold Viets was born Aug. 10, 1933 in Roanoke, Ill., the son of Richard Henry and Edna Luise (Potts) Viets. He passed away at the age of 89 years, seven months and three days in Buffalo surrounded by his loved ones.
Vernon was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and later in life joined the Buffalo First Christian Church where he served as a deacon and elder for many years. Vernon was a faithful servant of God. He attended LaRose High School where he graduated as Valedictorian in 1950 and farmed with his father until called to serve in the United States Army for two years during the Korean War.
He married Jo Ann Montgomery on Dec. 28, 1955 and they had three sons together, Richard Montgomery, Bret Allen, and Frederick Marlin. In 1971, Vernon and Jo Ann became full owners of the Montgomery-Viets Funeral Home. He married Sherry Jo Davies on March 13, 1999 until she preceded him in death on Aug. 11, 2013. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Edna, his wife Jo Ann, two infant brothers, Edgar and Harold, one sister, Geraldine Debolt, granddaughter, Emily Jo, great-grandson, Corbin, brother-in-law, Arthur Schoepke, sister-in-law, Jeannette Viets, and brother-in-law Willis McKnight.
His survivors include his three sons, Richard M. and wife Barbara, Bret and wife, Patsy, and Marlin; his two sisters, Vera Schoepke and Marion McKnight; one brother, Marvin Viets; brother-in-law Keith Debolt; his grandchildren, Anna Beth, Ricky and Cassie, Sean and Katie, Victoria and Jace, Lauren, and Kaitlyn and Chance; six great-grandchildren, Madden, Berkeley, Avalynn, Maverick, Ellie, Lily and baby girl Montgomery on the way; along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at the First Christian Church of Buffalo, conducted by his sons and the Cantlon-Otterness Funeral Home. Officiating the service will be Pastor Larry Starbuck. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Buffalo First Christian Church.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cantlon-Otterness & Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo. Sign guest book at www.cantlonotterness.com
