Verne L. Lagerstrom, July 13, 1940-July 27, 2025

Verne was born in Elgin, Illinois, the son of the late Elmer and Olga (Stilla) Lagerstrom. Verne's only brother, Ronald, predeceased him in 2015.

After graduation from Elgin High School, Verne joined the U.S. Army where he served as an MP (Military Police), stationed in Okinawa, Japan and later Colorado Springs, Colorado. After returning home to Illinois, he joined the Elgin Police Department and later the Carpentersville Police Department, having served a total of 26 years. Early in his career, he also worked for Mutual of Omaha Insurance, receiving numerous sales awards.

One of his greatest pleasures was traveling and exploring the country with his family, especially wanting to teach his children that there was a big world out there waiting for them.

After "retirement" in 1991, he moved to Colorado, where he worked in security and as a manager at Johnny Nolan's Casino in Cripple Creek for nine years. In 2000, he and his wife, Joy, relocated to Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Verne loved his retirement and especially enjoyed riding his motorcycle throughout the scenic backroads of Wisconsin. He took great pride in improving and maintaining his homes with skills in construction and remodeling. He also became an accomplished and passionate cook. He loved reading all genres of books and multiple daily newspapers. Even though an avid fan of the Packers, Brewers and Bucks, he still loved his Illinois sports teams unless they were playing in Wisconsin.

Surviving in addition to his wife and best friend, Joy, are his three children who he dearly loved and took great pride in their accomplishments; Lori Sharpsteen of St. Peters, Missouri, Verne (Kim) Lagerstrom II of San Tan Valley, Arizona and Chad (Shelly) of Woodstock, Illinois who predeceased him in 2023, ten grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, two nephews and former wife, Barbara.

Per Verne's request, a private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory of Elkhorn, WI, is honored to serve the Lagerstrom family. Online condolences can be made at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com