Vernon Vradenburg

Dr. Vernon G. Vradenburg, age 91, of Platteville, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, July 9, 2021, at Southwest Health Center. A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at the Platteville Golf & Country Club. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family. Memorials may be made to First English Lutheran Church or Wisconsin Badger Camp, in Vernon's memory. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Vernon was born on June 12, 1930, in Wyocena, WI, son of Guy and Gladys (Tomlinson) Vradenburg. He attended school in Lyndon Station and Mauston. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Vernon attended UW-Lacrosse and graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Master's degree in education. He later went on to receive a doctorate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He was married on December 1, 1952, to Marcia Peterson of Lacrosse, WI. After teaching and coaching in West Salem, Vernon took a teaching position at UW-Platteville in 1961 where he taught and coached for 30 years before retiring. Vernon began a number of the athletic programs at UW-Platteville to include tennis, wrestling and swimming, and began coaching football under Butch Leitl and John Barth. After having a son with developmental disabilities, Vernon also began a curriculum for education majors to teach physical education for the handicapped and individuals with developmental disabilities. Vernon was a longtime advocate for those with developmental disabilities and challenges.

Vernon was a member of First English Lutheran church where he has belonged since arriving in Platteville in 1961. He was also a member of the American Legion for many years. Vernon was blessed to have a loving family and many friends.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Marcia; son, Jeffrey (Theresa) Vradenburg; daughter, Kristin (James) Merrill; five grandchildren, Haley, Graham, Curran, Caroline and Jack; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Wendy; son, Todd; parents; two siblings, twin brother, Vern Vradenburg and Lyle Vradenburg; and sisters-in-law, Lucille Vradeburg and Betty Vradenburg. Vernon was treasured as a devoted husband, father, teacher, coach and friend. He was an avid golfer and fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors including many summers on the Lakes of Northern Wisconsin.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Park Place Memory Care as well as Dr. Kevin Carr and the compassionate team of nurses on the 2nd floor at Southwest Health Center who cared for Vernon in his final days.