Verlyn "Vern" Edward Husa

Verlyn (Vern) Edward Husa, 86, passed away peacefully in his sleep in his home in Greenwood Village, Colorado on December 14, 2023.  He always joked that he’d be the healthiest person in the cemetery, and that’s likely so, as his death was unexpected.  He had just been out walking his daughter’s dog and doing some Christmas shopping earlier that day.  He was born September 09, 1937 to Ermin Edward and Olvie Agnes Husa in a farmhouse on the outskirts of Lewiston, Nebraska.  He had an older sister, Verneel Edna Husa-Higgins (deceased). 

While living in Lewiston, Vern helped on his parents’ farm raising cows, pigs, chickens, and ducks.  He began grade school at the age of 4 years old and graduated in a class of just 13 students.  He started college at the University of Nebraska at the age of 16 and graduated with honors in 1958 with a degree in business.  Following college, he joined the Army and was a reservist through 1964.  His first job was with Western Electric (eventually AT&T) in 1959 in Omaha, Nebraska and finished his first career in 1990 after 31 years.  While living in Omaha, he earned his MBA from Creighton University.  His career with Western Electric/AT&T took Vern and his family from Omaha to Kansas City, New York, Princeton, and eventually to Denver.  Retiring for just one month, Vern began his second career with Oppenheimer Funds and worked for them in the Denver area for 29 years.  He retired at the age of 82 with a total of  60 years of work over 2 careers.  Vern loved working with his colleagues and remaining active.

As a senior in high school, Vern met Jeanine at the roller-skating rink in Beatrice, Nebraska.  They were married July 17, 1960 at the Brethren Church in Holmesville, Nebraska.  They were married for 63 years.  In 1965, they had a son, Kent Edward and in 1968, Rene Janette was born.  Family meant everything to Vern as he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather to Paige Lillian and Ben Edward, children of Kent and Beth Husa, and Matteo Anthony and Ryder Logan, sons of Rene and David Meale.  If there was a school play, sporting activity, or milestone event involving his children or grandchildren, you can bet that both he and Jeanine were in attendance.  Vern and Jeanine were best friends; if you knew one, you knew the other, because they were always together.

Vern will be remembered for is his big smile and laughter while “chatting it up” with literally anyone in any situation or circumstance.  He loved to make that personal connection with people, making everyone feel special and noticed.

What does Verlyn want you to know about him?  In his words, “his life was blessed with a great and talented family.  I tend to take life too seriously but Jeanine keeps me heading in the right direction when work, sickness, or family deaths create stress or sadness.  Thanks to Jeanine and my family.”

There will be a celebration of life at Hope United Methodist Church (5101 S. Dayton Street, Greenwood Village, CO 80111) on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00 am.  The family plans to dress in “church casual” but come as you are comfortable.  We are honored by your presence.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cycle Movement at https://cyclemovement.bike/donate/ or checks can be made out to Cycle Movement and sent to 8165 S. Steele Street, Centennial CO 80122.  Cycle Movement opens the world of cycling to our friends with disabilities.  Vern and Jeanine took pride in volunteering with this organization.