Trending
GLADSTONE -- Vern VanDrese, 75, of Gladstone, passed peacefully in his sleep during an afternoon nap on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Vern was born in 1951 to Elmer and Evelyn VanDrese, raised in Flat Rock and graduated from Gladstone High School in 1970 where he played on the football team. After graduation he played softball on local teams. He was also a member of the Elks for 46 years. Vern always said that he had a terrific life and he had a great group of friends for snowmobile trips, ATV and motorcycle rides, music festivals, camping at Norway Lake and floating on the pontoon boat. He loved the races and would spend some weekends traveling to different stock car and sprint car races in Wisconsin and out of state. When he was 66, he decided he wanted to race and bought a vintage car and raced a few seasons, which he really enjoyed. Vern was a hard worker, he owned VanDrese Construction and Superior Door until his retirement in 2023. Vern enjoyed his Friday night fish fries and you could catch him often having breakfast at the Family Inn. When asked how he was, he always said "damn close to perfect". He was very honest and caring and he will be greatly missed.
Vern is survived by his sister, Dolores (Mike) Goymerac; brother, Leland (Betty) VanDrese; brother-in-law, Don Bugay (Mary Henderson); companion, Sherri Schorr; and several nieces and nephews. Special mention to Andrea "Peanut" and Ashlee "Peaches" who he adored and talked about all the time. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Grace Hughes; brother-in-law, Chuck Hughes; and sister, Carol Bugay.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 16th from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. A prayer will conclude the visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Elks Lodge #354 in Vern's name. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.
