Laverne (Vern/Vernie) Ray Frank, age 86, of Newcastle, WY, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 10, 2025,

Vernie was born December 9, 1938, in Belle Fourche, SD, to Ben and Genevieve Frank. He grew up in Ideal, SD, and graduated from Winner High School in 1956. Despite his parents' wishes, at 17, he joined the Navy and became a Petty Officer First Class, serving proudly as a torpedoman. He lived on to humbly love and support all veterans and taught his family to do the same.

While on leave, he began dating and later married his lifelong friend, Vesta Bice, and began farming near Winner, SD. Together, they shared 65 wonderful years and were blessed with 12 children.

In 1979, the family moved to Custer, SD, where Vernie worked as a carpenter and logger. He later earned a geology degree from the School of Mines, sparking a lifelong love of rocks. That passion turned into a cherished hobby of crafting jewelry and keychains—treasures he lovingly shared with his family.

Vern deeply loved Jesus and passed on his faith through nightly devotions and Bible study. He served actively in both the Berean and Wesleyan churches as a board member and Sunday School teacher.

In 1998, Vern and Vesta moved to Newcastle, WY. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, reloading, and wine-making. A proud Steelers fan (after years with the Vikings), Vern relished football season, complete with spirited family rivalries and playful taunts. He loved playing games—card games in particular—with family, where the room was always filled with loud laughter and good-natured yelling. That tradition lives on through his children and grandchildren.  Vern often said his biggest joy was watching his kids and grandkids laughing and having fun.

In his later years, Vernie found joy in his beloved Corgis; Jessica, Wishbone and Gracie, who became his constant companions and were thoroughly spoiled.

Laverne is survived in his immediate family by his wife, Vesta; Vicki Frank of ID; Jeff (RaeJean) Frank of ID; Lori (Greg) Kaiser, SD; Lisa Oakley, WY; Vanesa (Darrell) Stevens, SD; Dawn Boggs, SD; Bobbi (Russell) Williams, SD; Tammy (Troy) Allen, WY; Stacy Haggerty (Mike Yuronich), WY; Justen (Missy) Frank, SD, 30 grandchildren, 50 plus great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and counting!  He is also survived by his sisters Shirley Boyd, Jenny Lou Stern; 4 brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vernie was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law, Melvin and Roberta Bice; brothers Burton and Merle (Punk); sons Jody and Jesse; daughter-in-law Stacey Ann; sons-in-law Matthew Himrich and Joe Haggerty; grandson-in-law Sean Barnhart; granddaughter, Brittany Frank and grandson Lucas Kaiser.

Services for Laverne will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025 beginning at 12:30 pm at Kinkade Funeral Chapel. There will be a visitation beginning at 11:45 am. Laverne will be interred at Black Hills National Cemetery at 2:30 pm following the service. The family will be gathering at the Sturgis Vet's Club afterwards for refreshments.

Condolences for the family may be sent to www.kinkadefunerals.com as well as 533 S. Summit Avenue, Newcastle, WY 82701.

Laverne Frank Service Folder