Vernel “Bucky” Taschner, age 82, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at Clark County Rehab and Living Center in Owen, WI.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 23, 2018 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids.  Rev. Kevin Ader will officiate.  A time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services on Friday at the funeral home.  Burial will be at a later date at Calvary Cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids.

Vernel was born August 8, 1936 in Wisconsin Rapids, to Harvey and Leona (Winters) Taschner.  He married Barbara Truetel.  They were blessed with two sons, Jeffrey and Christopher.  The marriage later ended in divorce.  He was married to his second wife, LaVerne, for 38 years.  She preceded him in death in February 2016.

Vernel served in the United States Air Force for 20 years as a military police officer.   His time in service included a tour in Vietnam.  After retiring from active service, he worked as a maintenance man for apartment complexes in Milwaukee and Las Vegas.  He later moved to Arizona where he did carpentry work until his retirement.  Following retirement, he moved back to Wisconsin Rapids to be closer to family.

Vernel is survived by his grandsons: David Taschner and Daniel Taschner; great-grandchildren: Gavin, Garrick, Brynleigh, Luke, Parker, Graysen and Brogan Taschner; siblings: Don (Judi) Taschner, Wisconsin Rapids, Mary (Roger) Rybicki, Rudolph, and John (Jonette) Taschner, Camino, CA; and many nieces and nephews including his goddaughter, Rena Rybicki Hess.  He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, LaVerne; sons: Jeffrey and Christopher; and sisters: Laura Kandler and Vivian Lois.

Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Taschner family.  For online condolences, please visit www.taylorfuneralhome.net.