Vernon J. Abler, 87, of Mount Calvary died peacefully at his home on Wednesday March 3, 2010. He was born August 18, 1922 in Mount Calvary to the late Nicholas & Mary Salchert Abler. He married Betty Schrage on February 9, 1946 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mount Calvary. Vernon served in the United States Army and completed a tour of duty in the Philippines during World War II. His awards include the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with campaign star, World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, American Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Vernon worked as a butcher his entire life at Abler's Meat Market in Mount Calvary. Vernon was the first president of the village when it was incorporated. He also was a volunteer fireman with the Mount Calvary Fire Department and served as the Fire Chief. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Betty; 5 children, Paul (K.C.), Tom, Bob ( Rita), Cathy (Dave) Marr and Matt (Sandra); 6 grandchildren, Jeremy (Aili), Amanda (Ryan) Hoelz, Melissa, Dylan (Becky), Christian and Vincent; 2 great-grandchildren, Lilly and Cameron; his sister, Liz (Howard) Smith; his brother-in-law, Louis (Ethel) Schrage; many nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and wonderful neighbors. Preceding him in death were his parents; two sisters, Mary Lucas and Myrtle; a brother, Alois and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Louis & Rose (Fritz) Schrage. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday March 6, 2010 at the Sippel Funeral Home 1311 Thorp Street St. Cloud. Rev. Michael Bertram OFM Cap. will officiate. Entombment will be at the Shrine or Rest Chapel Mausoleum at Ledgeview Cemetery in Fond du Lac. Family and friends may call at the Sippel Funeral Home in St. Cloud on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of services. For additional information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in St. Cloud (920) 999-2291 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net