Fr. Vernon Olmer, OFM, 88, passed away Jan. 21, 2024, at St. Mary's Home for the Aged in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Humphrey, Nebraska, with Fr. Mike Haney celebrating the Mass.  Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM with a vigil service at 7:00 PM, at the church.  Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9:00 AM until Mass time, also at the church.  Interment in the parish cemetery will be at a later date.

Fr. Vernon E. Olmer, O.F.M., a Franciscan friar of the recently established Our Lady of Guadalupe Franciscan Province, died in the early hours of the morning on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at the age of 88, at St. Mary's Nursing Home in Manitowoc, WI.

Fr. Vernon was born in Humphrey, NE, on August 7, 1935, to John and Stella (Eisenmenger) Olmer.  He was the eighth of eleven children: Edwin (Rose Mary) Olmer, Dolores (Charles) McPhillips, Eleanor (Pat) McPhillips, Mildred (Arthur) Miksch, Bob Olmer, Art (Mary) Olmer, Sr. Marina Olmer, O.S.F., Fr. Vernon Olmer, O.F.M., Eugene (Marge) Olmer, William (Mary Jo) Olmer, and George (Marilyn) Olmer.

He was baptized and given the name, 'John', confirmed and received his early education at St. Francis Church and School in Humphrey, NE.   Discerning a vocation to Franciscan life during his freshman year at St. Francis High School in Humphrey, NE, John entered formation in 1950 for the sophomore year at St. Joseph Franciscan Seminary in Westmont, IL.  On July 4, 1955, he entered the Franciscan novitiate of the Sacred Heart Province in Teutopolis, IL and received the religious name, "Vernon".  He made his solemn vows on July 5, 1959 and was ordained to the priesthood on June 13, 1962.

From 1964 to 2022, Fr. Vernon served the Franciscan Order and the Church, mostly in parish ministry, in Chicago, Teutopolis, Bishop Creek, and Quincy, IL, West Monroe, LA, Jordan, MN, Ashland, WI, and Indian River, MI.   He was the assistant novice master in Oak Brook, IL from 1972-75.  While devoted to his ministry, Fr. Vernon also served his Franciscan community by preparing community meals, baking cookies, apple pies, zucchini and banana breads, etc.  He loved to do yard work and enjoyed bike riding and cross-country skiing and spending time with family and friends.  He retired in September 2022, and was a member of the community at Blessed Giles Friary in Manitowoc, WI from then until his death.

Fr. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, John and Stella, and all his older brothers and sisters and their spouses.   He is survived by his Franciscan brothers, as well as his three younger brothers, Eugene, William, and George, and their wives.  He is also survived by many, many nieces, and nephews, as well as a great many great nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.