Vernon Phillip Normand

Vernon P. Normand, 92, of the town of Lafayette, passed peacefully Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at home surrounded by family while under the care of Mayo Clinic Home Health and Hospice.

Vern was born November 25, 1932, in Chippewa Falls to Felix and Malvina (Clark) Normand. He graduated from Chi-Hi in 1950. In 1952, Vern enlisted in the United States Army serving his country for over 30 years and retiring with the rank of Major. He served in Korea from 1953 to 1954 as a forward observer with Battery B of the 555th Triple Nickel Field Artillery Battalion where he received the Bronze Star for actions in combat. He continued to serve rising through the ranks and retiring the first time in October 1973. He immediately reenlisted in the National Guard as a Platoon Sergeant in order to serve with his sons who had enlisted. He was honorably discharged January 31, 1983, retiring a second time. After retiring he was involved with American Legion Post 77 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1038. He served as the Commander of the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council providing military rites and the playing of Taps for veterans as well as maintaining the rifles for the honor guard.

He married the love of his life, Alice McIlquham on June 26, 1954, at St Bridget Catholic Church. Married over 70 years, together they raised a family of five boys and a girl. He always kept a field ready for ball at home especially for the epic 4th of July softball games. Family trips to the condo in Florida or Las Vegas or the Black Hills were the highlight of many summers. Sending the grandchildren on hunts for their Easter baskets with riddles they had to solve. Playing kick the can with them on summer nights. In the fall he was cheering on the Packers and the Badgers. He will be remembered for never missing a birthday for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To the delight of all, they knew the cards were from Grandpa before even opening them as they were always stamped with his favorite character Yosemite Sam.

Vern worked as a clerk for Mason Shoe before working for the United States Postal Service from 1959 until his retirement in 1987. As a postman Vern could not pass up a dog in need, bringing several home to be cared for. After retiring he got his real estate license working for Martell Realty. He also served on the board of the Prairie View Cemetery along with managing the grounds. Vern played for and managed the Lafayette Indians baseball team for many years. When he wasn’t playing, he was umpiring as a state certified official. After his baseball career he played fastpitch softball for Brandts Bar/Plunkett Inn in the Chippewa League. The team won multiple city championships with him behind the plate as the catcher.

Vern’s love for his family knew no bounds. He was there for the oldest down to the very youngest at any time. He was a caring person always ready to help out a friend or anyone needing it. He had a hard time saying no when asked. A trait he has passed on to his children.

Vern is survived by his wife, Alice; his children, Robert (Beverly) Normand, Lairy (Lori) Normand, Diane (Jeffrey) Solin, Dale Normand, Gene (Sue) Normand, and Phillip Normand; 19 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; brother, John (Claudia) Normand; sisters-in-law, Cathy Normand, Ardie McIlquham, and Dorothy McIlquham; and many fond relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bud (Phyllis) Normand and Charles Normand; sisters, Joyce (Palmer) Erickson, Lucille (Lyle) Woodcock, and Helen (Harry) Herr.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 11 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 12 at 11:00 a.m. at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Prairie View Cemetery in the village of Lake Hallie with Military Honors conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed/recorded and available to view on this webpage.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council, are appreciated.