Vernon Sarasin

He enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict and was assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC) 99th Bomb Wing. As an airman, he worked on the B-36 “Peacemaker” and he was one of the first to work on the B-52 Stratofortress airplanes. While he was in the Air Force, he traveled to Guam, Alaska, and Hawaii and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1959, he returned to Gwinn to marry Karen Latola, his high school sweetheart. They moved to the suburbs of Chicago and lived in Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, and Arlington Heights, Illinois. He began his 36-year career in nuclear medicine at Nuclear Chicago and continued in this field working in quality assurance and manufacturing at G. D. Searle and Siemens.

Vernon was full of life, enjoyed meeting people, and looked forward to each day. He liked nature, fishing, hunting, and skiing in the Upper Peninsula, which he continued to visit each summer. Highlights included sharing experiences with his grandchildren, such as blueberry picking, trips to K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, and telling stories of his dad and childhood memories. He had a love of learning and sharing what he learned with others. He was an avid gardener, photographer, and enjoyed traveling. He was proud of his children’s accomplishments. His great delight was his family and he felt fortunate his three children and four grandchildren lived nearby. He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them when babysitting, and attending soccer games, church activities, and numerous musical performances.

While living in Arlington Heights at Luther Village, Vernon participated in the Veterans of America meetings, lectures on the history of music, and gardening. He grew in his faith journey by attending bible study and mid-week and Sunday church services. His faith sustained him through the challenges of medical problems.

Survivors include his three children: Mark (Eileen) Sarasin of Mount Prospect, IL, Barbara (Doug Nicklaus) Sarasin of Antioch, IL, Karen (Don Mead) Sarasin of Arlington Heights, IL; four grandchildren: Adam, Jonathan, and Anna Mead and Evan Sarasin; sister-in-law: Carol Sarasin of Townsend, MA; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his sister, Judy Moser, brother, Jerry, and wife, Karen.

Memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church: 558 West M-35, P.O. Box 1114, Gwinn, MI 49841, Phone: (906) 346-3156, the American Legion Post #349, Little Lake, MI: Highway 35, Little Lake, MI 49841, Phone: (906) 346-6000, or the American Cancer Society: 150 S. Wacker Dr. #2100, Chicago, IL 60606, Phone: (800) 227-2345.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at the Gwinn Cemetery in Gwinn, MI on Saturday, August 10th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. A service of remembrance will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Gwinn, MI on Sunday, August 11th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. A light luncheon will be served at Grace following the service.