Laverne ‘Vern’ Cobian

LaVerne Joseph “Vern” Cobian, age 92 of Prescott died on Christmas Day, December 25, 2021 at his residence. Vern was born at home in Trimbelle, Wisconsin on May 18, 1929, the son of Frank and Regina (Buss) Cobian. He attended school in Ellsworth.

Working for Lee Kenall, Vern joined his brother Les in traveling to South Dakota, installing electricity to farm building for the first time when his life would change forever. Although dancing was not his favorite, he went to a dance with Les. His dance partner that night loved to dance and her energy lit Vern up. When she chose to sit next to him, their fate together was set in motion. On June 6, 1950 he would walk down the aisle and be united in marriage to his dance partner, Marie “Maizie” Volk. Their early life together was spent in Aberdeen, South Dakota where Vern worked for brother-in-law Leo Volk on the family farm. Vern brought his bride back to Wisconsin to live on the Spriggs farm in Big River where his farm activities were connected with the University of Wisconsin – River Falls agriculture program for student observation and training.  Vern mentioned that he had to keep everything really clean, all the time. Purchasing their own farm moved them to Hager City.  An offer for employment at 3M, brought opportunity to make more money for the welfare of his family.  So, Vern built a new home in Prescott where he moved his wife and four children.  Vern was proud to be a 3M employee for over 34 years in their Chemolite location at Cottage Grove Minnesota. He was also an entrepreneur. He began renting apartments in Prescott which became a rewarding business as the Cobian apartments from 1973 to 1999. Although they had little idle time, they also owned and operated C & L Bar in River Falls.

If you knew Vern, it was evident of his deep commitment to his faith as a Catholic and as a member of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church. He has been a long-standing member of the Knights Of Columbus.  Vern loved being with Maizie, everything was done to see the spark in her eyes.  Many memories were created at their cabin in Spooner, exciting destinations around the world, trips to try their luck at the casino, and simply playing cards with family and friends.

Vern will forever be remembered by four children, Tom Cobian, Steve Cobian, Diane (Robert) Daugherty, and Paul (Darlene) Cobian; grandsons, John Cobian (Isabelle), and Carl Cobian; sister Shirley Hei, brother Leslie Cobian; along with many dear family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Maizie; sisters Leona and Lenora Johnson; and brother Lawrence Cobian.

Mass of Christian burial for Vern Cobian will be 2pm, Wednesday December 29th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Prescott. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to mass at St. Joseph’s. The Knights of Columbus will honor his memory by praying the rosary at 12:45 pm – all are welcome to join in. Memorials are preferred to Fairy Wonderland Park Prescott project and may be mailed to the funeral home. Funeral services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Homes; 130 North Grant Street, Ellsworth, Wisconsin 54011.