Laverne "Vern" Dale Weenum

Laverne “Vern” Dale Weenum was born in the Dutch-American town of Zeeland, Michigan, to Hazel “Bea” and Willard Weenum on Nov. 15, 1953. As the only boy of the family, his three sisters, Von, Donna and Mary, doted on their blue-eyed brother. After the early passing of Vern’s father, he was later blessed to gain a real-life Brady Bunch family when his mother married his stepfather, Julius Haveman. Through this union he gained another sister, Judy, and three brothers, Bob, Dave and Ed.

By his early 20s, Vern decided to try his hand at the cowboy lifestyle and moved West to Montana, where he soon met and fell in love with his bride of 42 years, Darlene “Dutch” Zeier Weenum. Vern and Dutch built a life full of friends and memories in her hometown of Ryegate. For four decades, he worked hard building a business as an independent contract fencer and rancher. He lived a big life in a small town and left an influence on all who knew him. Vern did things his own way, which he would tell you was always the right way. If a man’s wealth is measured by his friendships, Vern was quite rich.

Vern’s legacy will continue through his children, Jarrod Weenum and Heather Weenum Gentry. They will remember their father as a skilled bird hunter, handyman, and their first phone call when things went wrong. Most of all, they will remember their dad’s most rewarding stage of life, as “Papa.” Jarrod and his wife Erin have two daughters, Lincoln and Remco “Coco.” Heather and her husband Erik have two sons, Cael and Kai, and are expecting their third son this year. Papa Vern was famous for popcorn and ice cream sundaes before bed, motorcycle rides to visit his sheep, and silver dollars on birthdays.

Vern fought cancer for almost four years, defying all odds, surprising his medical team at every turn. Those who knew him weren’t surprised; Vern was tough, and he did everything on his own terms. He was ready to end his battle and The Lord called him home, comfortable and surrounded by family, on March 17, 2022.

Laverne Dale Weenum is survived by his wife, Darlene “Dutch” Zeier Weenum; son Jarrod (Erin) Weenum and granddaughters Lincoln and Remco; daughter Heather (Erik) Gentry and grandsons Cael and Kai; mother Bea Haveman; mother-in-law Billie Zeier; sisters Von (Larry) Berghorst, Donna (John) Savage, Mary (Dave) Geerlings and Judy Driesenga; and brothers Bob (Nance) Haveman, Dave (Ruthann) Haveman, and Ed Haveman; and many special nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Willard Weenum; stepfather Julius Haveman; and father-in-law Lewis “Sonny” Zeier.

A celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at the Ryegate Fire Hall. Vern selected honorary pallbearers: Gordie Bruner, Lynn Dale, Dan DeBuff, Ray Jeffers, Tom Knoll, Don Kosbob, Clyde Parker, Mike Schmechel, Dave Sherod, Jay Streeter, Trent Streeter, and Tim Todd.

Cremation arrangements are being handled by Michelotti-Sawyers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Ryegate Volunteer Fire Department or the Grace Lutheran Church of Barber, Montana, where Vern was a dedicated member.