Massey, Vernon Neal

Vernon Neal Massey, age 70 of Hollandale passed away early Tuesday morning, December 31, 2024 at Our House Senior Living in Richland Center.  Vernon was born on July 8, 1954 to Neal and Amy (Thompson) Massey. He attended school in Hollandale, then graduated from the newly formed Pecatonica High School in 1972. For many years, Vernon worked as a lineman at Wisconsin Power & Light (later Alliant Energy). In the worst storms of every season, Vernon braved the elements to ensure local families stayed warm and lights came back on.

Vernon married Mary Dolan in 1983 and together they had two children, Mallory and Wyatt. Vernon lived in rural Hollandale for most of his life, finding fulfillment in raising crops, chickens, beef cattle, and his children on the third generation family farm. Each spring, in his broad-brimmed hat, he planted a sprawling vegetable garden whose harvest would feed friends and family throughout the year. On balmy summer evenings and freezing winter afternoons, Vernon would fish the pond near his home, Yellowstone Lake, or Cox Hollow Lake at Governor Dodge. In his younger years, Vernon was also an avid hunter of deer, turkey, pheasant, elk, and bear.

Vernon was heavily involved in Hollandale and the surrounding communities, including the Barneveld Masonic Lodge, Blanchardville United Methodist Church, and local homecoming activities. Without hesitation, Vernon gave his time to build Hollandale’s playground, coach youth softball and baseball, and mend a neighbor’s flood-damaged fences.

Traditions were important to Vernon — from having lutefisk and lefse at Christmas, to organizing a tailgate for a Brewers game each summer, to attending family reunions. Vernon was sincere, but could crack a joke in most situations; patient, but had a lot of advice for Green Bay Packers coaches; reserved, but the first to hit the dance floor at weddings.

To children, he was the beloved organizer of games at holidays and the architect of epic sledding adventures. He was someone who really listened when you talked, and who thought before he spoke. Vernon will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Vernon is survived by his daughter Mallory (Mark) Hermanson, and grandson Arlo Hermanson; son Wyatt Massey and partner Mary Prunty; mother Amy Massey; sister Elizabeth Randall and husband Ron Distler; niece Bethany Randall and great-niece Lyla Randall; and nephew Jacob Randall. Vernon was preceded in death by his father Neal; and his brother Tom.

A visitation for Vernon will be held on Friday evening, January 10, 2025 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Blanchard Hall at 204 S Main St. in Blanchardville.  In lieu of flowers, memorials in Vernon’s memory are suggested.  Visitation will continue on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Blanchard Hall, followed by a Masonic service at 11:00 a.m., and then a funeral service to follow, all at Blanchard Hall.  Services will be livestreamed on the Saether Funeral Service Facebook page.  A catered funeral lunch for all attending will immediately follow the service. Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at saetherfuneralservice.com or on the Saether Funeral Service Facebook page.

Vernon’s family would like to thank the staff at Our House Memory Care of Richland Center for their compassion and support during his time there, and Moments Hospice for their care in Vernon’s final days.