Our condolences to Vern’s family. We always looked forward to seeing Vern at the Sharpless Auction garage sales. He was very knowledgeable about collectibles and was a pleasure to talk to. We always learned something from him.

One word to describe Vernie was "giver." And he never gave only one item of anything.....it was numerous ones! I will also miss his many, many stories (I believe they were all true!) and was glad to give him the time to listen to them. They were quite amusing to say the least! He helped my family in so many ways with his kindness and goodness, along with his wife, Jude, and we were more than blessed to have known them. Rest in peace, dear Vern and Jude! You affected so many families in the best way possible and you both made a big difference in the world. Thanks and love you both.

Vern was a dear friend to all and a great collector! He lit up the room whenever he came in. I don’t know how he found them, but one day he came in the Hilltop and sat down and proceeded to set in front of me a pair of Israeli Night Vision Goggles!!!

Nick Russo

So many great memories of "Uncle Vernie". One in particular comes to mind. Jude & Vern babysat Kelsey & Todd. Jude went somewhere and Kelsey was staying with Vernie until I got off work. Kelsey called me to ask how to make Kraft Mac & Cheese for her and Vernie. He was one of a kind for sure!! ❤

Visted him often when my mom was alive and we would see h at Regina either selling collectibles or buying or both. He always had a story to tell. Sorry I lost contact with you Vern

Vernie was such a kind and sharing person.

Please know his family is in my thoughts and prayers

Sending our condolences to Vern's family and friends. He was a great guy, with the biggest heart of anyone I know. He always had enough softball equipment to outfit many teams. Always willing to give it away and supported all of the kids. He's always come by if we had a garage sale and ask "Your dad bring any huntin' or fishin; stuff?" I just loved visiting with him.

He will be missed by so many in our community, as he was a visible face that many would see out and about.

I knew Vern (or “Stahmer” as we called him) through my late father, Mike Bartlett who took care of St. Joe’s Cemetery on North Dodge. Most of my childhood sports ventures were outfitted out of Vern’s trunk. Numerous ball gloves, cleats, bats, and balls made their way from Vern’s trunk into my possession. Before Scheels or Play it Again Sports, there was Stahmer. My brother and I were lucky enough to be able to spend some of our summer days at work with our Dad. While he mowed and trimmed we rode bikes around the cemetery roads. All work and play would halt when we saw Stahmer’s car pull in with his back bumper nearly dragging. “What d’ya need Mikey? These boys need a new ball glove?” If he didn’t have it he would always “keep an eye out” for anything we might be looking for. My prayers and condolences go out to his family. Thank you Stahmer for being one of those indelible “characters” of my childhood. You will be missed.

I remember Vern coming into the Iowa City Goodwill several times a week to scour the store for any good deal. He would come in and bring Pepsi's into the back for the workers and would always ask if there was anything good that I wanted but couldn't buy myself because I was working. His car was loaded with goodies- I was one time looking for a softball glove and he came in with enough gloves to outfit a whole team. I always enjoyed running into Vern and I'm sorry that he's gone. May the shelves in Heaven be filled with lots of great finds!