Vernon C. Bistram, 82, of Falun, passed away June 22, 2025, at Traditions of Frederic. He was born July 27, 1942, in his grandparents’ (Charles and Jessie Nordstrom) home north of Grantsburg, Wisconsin. He graduated from Grantsburg High School in 1960 and worked various jobs until he was drafted into the military. He served two years in the Army and returned home to work at the hospital in Grantsburg, where he met Myrna McKinley. They were married on Nov. 25, 1967. They lived in Racine, Wisconsin, for three years, then moved to a farm in Falun, Wisconsin, where they raised their three children, Donna, Dale, and Sara. Vernon loved farming, and being a part of the Falun community was important to him. He enjoyed plowing neighbors’ driveways, helping with planting in the spring, and helping others in any way he could. He also loved playing guitar and played in a country band for many years. He was active in the American Legion and served as Commander four times. He was honored to be in Governor Lee Sherman Dreyfus’ Fire Study Task Force after the Ekdall Fire in 1980.
Vernon is survived by Myrna, his wife of 57 years; children, Donna (Brian) Bistram, Dale (Zena) Bistram and Sara (Brentt) Michalek; grandchildren, Kelsey (Steven), McKenna (Kendra), Ashley, Michael, Lauren and Derek; and great-grandchildren, Ella and Gabriel. He is also survived by his siblings, Gladys (Chuck) Becvar, Bev (Steve) Baker, Gary (Bonnie) Johnson and Esther Curry; sisters-in-law, Cilla Bauer, Jane Sampe, Joyce Glover and Daisy McKinley; brother-in-law, Allen McKinley; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Arne Wicklund, and Vernon and Alene Bistram; sister, Kay Roberts; brother, Bill Johnson; and mother- and father-in-law, David and Grace McKinley.
A Celebration of Life will be held July 11, at 11 a.m. at the American Legion Hall in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Interment will be at a later date in Lake View (Mud Hen Lake) Cemetery. Rowe Funeral Homes and Cremation Services of Frederic has been entrusted with arrangements.
