Vernon Gavle, age 83, of rural Decorah, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at his home in Decorah, Iowa.

A private funeral service will be held at Big Canoe Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family of Vernon requested memorials to be sent directly to Helms Funeral Home at 306 E Water Street, Decorah, Iowa 52101.

Vernon Lowell Gavle was born on February 25, 1943, to Norris and Frances (Osmundson) Gavle.

He attended the Sattre and Upper Iowa River Country schools and graduated from Decorah High School. He was a lifetime member of Big Canoe Lutheran Church where he was baptized, confirmed and developed a deep faith in his Lord and Savior which has helped him battle the demons of Dementia.

He spent his entire life on the Gavle Farm which he loved and was very proud of.

December 23, 1984, he married Sandra (Brainard) Gavle at Big Canoe. He gained 3 stepchildren, who became family and farm hands. They farmed for many years and when the last dairy cows left the farm it was time to start a new adventure, they built up Pine Creek Cabins and Campground which they ran for 10 years.

He loved Red Tractors and old cars which he had an enviable collection. He also enjoyed woodworking, quilting and yard work, always busy.

For the last 4 years he has spent every day with his special dog, Babe

Vern is survived by his wife Sandra, one sister, Ruth Ann Pladsen, one brother Burton "Bud" (Emma Thompson), three stepchildren; Bobbie (Jeff Brink) Young, Ronald Young and Nancy (Aaron Gipp) Gipp. Six grandchildren; Robert (Taji) Anderson, Jesse Anderson, Joseph (Evelyn Bohr) Young, Tori and Cassidy Young and Isabella Gipp; 4 great-grand-children: Henry and Lyla Anderson and Alexandra and Nelly Young. One sister-in-law, Bev Gavle, brothers-in-law; Gilbert (Barb) Brainard, Richard (Gwen) Brainard and Tony Brainard. Nieces and nephews and his special care giver Angie Zezulka.

Proceeded in death by his parents and brothers Ronald and David Gavle, brother-in-law Cletus Pladsen, and a sister-in-law Norma Henderickson, nephew Donald Gavle, special nieces Karen (Gavle) Courtney and Debra (Gavle) Ryan.