Vernon Waldren, Friends of Extension Foundation founding member, retired Executive Director, Board Chair, and longtime supporter, lost his long and valiant struggle against cancer on Friday, January 7, 2022.
He lived a life in the service of others, and was a leader and mentor to so many people. We are grateful to share that Sen. Matt Williams, of the 36th legislative district, introduced the below legislative resolution, recognizing Vernon for his service and leadership.
He lived a life in the service of others, and was a leader and mentor to so many people. We are grateful to share that Sen. Matt Williams, of the 36th legislative district, introduced the below legislative resolution, recognizing Vernon for his service and leadership.
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION 275. Introduced by Williams, 36
WHEREAS, Vernon Waldren of Papillion was a lifelong educator dedicated to service, mentoring, and leadership in his communities; and
WHEREAS, Vernon was an invaluable member of the Elkhorn Grange, Carver Grange, and State Grange Executive Board and helped charter the Carver Grange; and
WHEREAS, Vernon received the Nebraska State Grange Distinguished Service Award in 2019; and
WHEREAS, Vernon was the unit leader for the Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Program, the largest such program in Nebraska, from 1976 through 2013; and
WHEREAS, Vernon was a committed member of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, attending his first conference in 1977 and eventually serving as Treasurer in 1994 and President in 2000; and
340 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL
WHEREAS, Vernon was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2018; and
WHEREAS, Vernon provided immense service to his communities as an extension educator for thirty-seven years; and
WHEREAS, Vernon Waldren passed away on January 7, 2022.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, SECOND SESSION:
1. That the Legislature recognizes Vernon Waldren for his service and leadership to the communities of Nebraska.
2. That the Legislature offers its condolences to the family of Vernon Waldren.
3. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the family of Vernon Waldren.
WHEREAS, Vernon was an invaluable member of the Elkhorn Grange, Carver Grange, and State Grange Executive Board and helped charter the Carver Grange; and
WHEREAS, Vernon received the Nebraska State Grange Distinguished Service Award in 2019; and
WHEREAS, Vernon was the unit leader for the Douglas-Sarpy 4-H Program, the largest such program in Nebraska, from 1976 through 2013; and
WHEREAS, Vernon was a committed member of the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, attending his first conference in 1977 and eventually serving as Treasurer in 1994 and President in 2000; and
340 LEGISLATIVE JOURNAL
WHEREAS, Vernon was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame in 2018; and
WHEREAS, Vernon provided immense service to his communities as an extension educator for thirty-seven years; and
WHEREAS, Vernon Waldren passed away on January 7, 2022.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE ONE HUNDRED SEVENTH LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA, SECOND SESSION:
1. That the Legislature recognizes Vernon Waldren for his service and leadership to the communities of Nebraska.
2. That the Legislature offers its condolences to the family of Vernon Waldren.
3. That a copy of this resolution be sent to the family of Vernon Waldren.
OBITUARY & SERVICES
Vernon Lee Waldren, age 68, passed away on January 7, 2022, at his home in Papillion, Nebraska, after battling cancer for several years.
Vernon was born February 6, 1953, in Tribune, Kansas, the son of Buford Nelson Waldren and Mildred Opal Jones Waldren. He was raised in Greeley County, mostly on the farm with his father, mother, and younger brother, Deryl. He was involved in 4-H from a young age and active in his school's academic and sport programs. Vernon was class valedictorian from Greeley County High School in 1971.
Vernon graduated from Kansas State University with BS and MS degrees in agricultural economics in 1975 and 1976, respectively. Upon graduation, he moved to the Omaha, Nebraska-area and began a long career with the University of Nebraska Extension in Douglas and Sarpy counties, 1976-2013.
Vernon had a strong passion for 4-H and served it well in multiple ways throughout his life. Vernon loved being president of NAE4-HA in 2000-2001. Another highlight was serving as co-chair when Nebraska hosted the 2011 NAE4-HA Conference in Omaha. Vernon also treasured the many life-long friendships he made with his 4-H colleagues while serving on the NAE-4HYDP Board several times in various positions.
Vernon was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of West Omaha for many years serving on the board in multiple offices and capacities. He was a member of Calvary Christian Church of Bellevue, Nebraska, where he loved teaching and being involved in the lives of those in the church.
Though Vernon was retired and fighting cancer, he kept active participating in several clubs, groups, and boards. He could often be found judging at different county fairs in his continuing commitment to 4-H.
Vernon was a proud father and grandfather (Opa) and loved spending as much time as he could with family. Once the grandchildren came along, there was only joy in his eyes when he was able to talk with and see his grandchildren both near and far.
Vernon is proceeded in death by Buford Waldren (father) and Mildred Waldren (mother).
He leaves to cherish his fond memories: wife, Cheri Waldren of Papillion, NE; children, Jennifer (Bryce) Weber of St. George, UT, Andrew (Jennifer) Waldren of Omaha, NE, Heather Judy of Beaufort, SC, Lacy (Nathan) Eicher of Bellevue, NE; grandchildren Emma, Michael John, Liam, Nathanael, Rowyn, Isabelle, Graeme, Samuel, Orion, Mairen; brother Deryl Waldren of Colby, KS, and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.
A Celebration of Life service is to be held at Calvary Christian Church, Bellevue, NE (North Campus) on January 25th at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to consider a donation to a 501(c)3 foundation that Vernon helped create to support 4-H and Extension:
Friends of Extension & 4-H Douglas/Sarpy County Foundation
7101 Mercy Road, Suite 108
Omaha, NE 68106
402-502-5012; director@friendsofextension.org
Contributions may also be given electronically: https://www.friendsofextension.org/donate.html.
https://www.gsfuneral.com/obit.../631568/vernon-lee-waldren/
Vernon was born February 6, 1953, in Tribune, Kansas, the son of Buford Nelson Waldren and Mildred Opal Jones Waldren. He was raised in Greeley County, mostly on the farm with his father, mother, and younger brother, Deryl. He was involved in 4-H from a young age and active in his school's academic and sport programs. Vernon was class valedictorian from Greeley County High School in 1971.
Vernon graduated from Kansas State University with BS and MS degrees in agricultural economics in 1975 and 1976, respectively. Upon graduation, he moved to the Omaha, Nebraska-area and began a long career with the University of Nebraska Extension in Douglas and Sarpy counties, 1976-2013.
Vernon had a strong passion for 4-H and served it well in multiple ways throughout his life. Vernon loved being president of NAE4-HA in 2000-2001. Another highlight was serving as co-chair when Nebraska hosted the 2011 NAE4-HA Conference in Omaha. Vernon also treasured the many life-long friendships he made with his 4-H colleagues while serving on the NAE-4HYDP Board several times in various positions.
Vernon was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of West Omaha for many years serving on the board in multiple offices and capacities. He was a member of Calvary Christian Church of Bellevue, Nebraska, where he loved teaching and being involved in the lives of those in the church.
Though Vernon was retired and fighting cancer, he kept active participating in several clubs, groups, and boards. He could often be found judging at different county fairs in his continuing commitment to 4-H.
Vernon was a proud father and grandfather (Opa) and loved spending as much time as he could with family. Once the grandchildren came along, there was only joy in his eyes when he was able to talk with and see his grandchildren both near and far.
Vernon is proceeded in death by Buford Waldren (father) and Mildred Waldren (mother).
He leaves to cherish his fond memories: wife, Cheri Waldren of Papillion, NE; children, Jennifer (Bryce) Weber of St. George, UT, Andrew (Jennifer) Waldren of Omaha, NE, Heather Judy of Beaufort, SC, Lacy (Nathan) Eicher of Bellevue, NE; grandchildren Emma, Michael John, Liam, Nathanael, Rowyn, Isabelle, Graeme, Samuel, Orion, Mairen; brother Deryl Waldren of Colby, KS, and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.
A Celebration of Life service is to be held at Calvary Christian Church, Bellevue, NE (North Campus) on January 25th at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to consider a donation to a 501(c)3 foundation that Vernon helped create to support 4-H and Extension:
Friends of Extension & 4-H Douglas/Sarpy County Foundation
7101 Mercy Road, Suite 108
Omaha, NE 68106
402-502-5012; director@friendsofextension.org
Contributions may also be given electronically: https://www.friendsofextension.org/donate.html.
https://www.gsfuneral.com/obit.../631568/vernon-lee-waldren/
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