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Vernon Lerew, 88 of Mitchell SD (formerly of Cresbard, SD) passed away Thursday, August 12, 2021 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital. A memorial service will be at 1pm Monday August 16, 2021 at Will Funeral Chapel with visitation beginning at 12pm.

Burial will be in Cresbard Cemetery at 1pm Tuesday August 17, 2021 with a graveside service and military honors. Lunch will be served after the service at the Cresbard Community Center.

Vernon was born in Faulk County on April 29, 1933 to Bert and Marie (Price) Lerew. He spent his life farming and working in the Cresbard area until 2012 when he move to Loomis to be closer to family.  He served in the Armed forces and was stationed near Cape Cod Massachusetts as a weather specialist for military operations. Vernon was an avid hunter and fisherman, a great story teller, and collector of treasures, especially old farm equipment, tools, cars and trucks. He loved gardening, canning and baking.  He made the best peach pie, banana bread and more!  During his time in Cresbard besides farming and raising a family, he was involved in stock car racing, American Legion, Legion baseball teams, bowling and the National Farmers Organization (NFO). He loved going to auctions, parades, farm shows, etc.

Grateful for having shared his life are his children; Clydette (Scott Pennock) Douglass, Becky (Ron Schoenfelder) Handrahan, Shelly (Mike) Marquardt, Todd (Nikki) Lerew, Shannon Lerew, Celeste (Lerew) Davidson, 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.  His children, grandchildren and his great grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was blessed with a ready-made family when he married Nomi Cessana in 1963. Also, survived by many nieces and nephews who he kept in touch with over the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, 2 brothers in infancy and 4 sisters.