A memorial service to celebrate the life of Vernon Gene Brakhage is scheduled for 1:00 PM Thursday, September 11, 2014 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Kingfisher, with graveside services and interment following at 3:30 PM at Memorial Park Cemetery in Enid, OK. Viewing will be at the church in Kingfisher from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM Thursday morning.

Vernon was born on the farm north of Lahoma on January 11, 1932 to Herbert and Mabel (Johnson) Brakhage and was called to his eternal home by his heavenly Father on September 7, 2014 in Oklahoma City. He attended school in Lahoma and was baptized, confirmed and married there in Zion Lutheran Church. He married his high school sweetheart, Rosalie Mae Holz, on March 17, 1951; they were blessed with 6 children and celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary earlier this year.

Vernon and Rosalie moved to Kingfisher in 1957 where he began his career as a butcher and worked at the local IGA store for over 40 years and there are many who say “he always cut the meat the way I like it”. Many others say, “I remember the days I worked for Vernon”. During this time, he is also known by many for going to their farm, as part of his custom butchering business. Following his Kingfisher retirement, when it became known that he was cutting meat again, many former local customers drove to El Reno to continue to get their meat from Vernon. He was also co-owner and operator of the Chisholm Trail Roller Skating Rink for many years. Former skaters are known to stop, sit on their front porch and visit with him and Rosalie about their roller skating days.

Vernon’s hobbies were centered on his family: having them visit him at his Lake Eufaula cabin, making items used for fishing, catching fish and then sending frozen fish fillets home with them. He enjoyed fabricating things such as swing sets, car ramps and other welding projects. He was a band and sports fan watching when his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren participated in these activities. He continued to be a fan and followed Kingfisher basketball and football.

Those who cherish his memory include: wife Rosalie of Kingfisher, 5 children Diana (David) Martin of Edmond, daughter in law Susan Brakhage of Edmond, Eddie of Elk City, Gayla (David) Heinrichs of Drummond, Dale (Kim) of Seminole, Robin (David) Bailey of Coppell TX. Grandchildren Chris (Lindsey), Kyle (Shae), Kara (Doug), Jason (Montisha), Bradley (Kim), Patrick, Sean (Phil). Great grandchildren Austin, Dillon, Addison, Katie, Emma, Ethan, Derick, Rebekah, Jayleigh, Maddyn, and Kendall; one sister Letha Hollingsworth of Meno, two brothers Willard (Ann) of Enid, and Charles (Michelle) of San Antonio TX, and one sister-in-law Annabel West of OKC.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Jay, sisters Opal and Velda and brother Jerry.

Memorials can be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Cancer Division.

For friends and family in the Enid area, viewing would be at the Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home through Wednesday.

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