VERNON P. HAZEN 1950 - 2025

Vernon P. Hazen, 75, of Sterling, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Johnson County Hospital in Tecumseh. He was born on November 19, 1950, in Lincoln to Shannon and Erma (Wehmer) Hazen. Vernon grew up in Sterling and graduated from Sterling High School in 1968. He attended Peru State College, where he earned a degree in Industrial Arts in 1972. Vernon married Jeanine Harms on December 15, 1972, at St. John Lutheran Church of Sterling. Vernon taught in the Industrial Arts Department at Sterling High School for 14 years and greatly enjoyed working with students. After his teaching career, he farmed for 14 years, where he especially enjoyed working with cattle and tending the land. He owned and operated Mr. H’s in Sterling for the last 25 years.

Vernon was a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church in Sterling, where he served on the church council and was the current council president. He also served his community as a member of the Sterling Volunteer Fire Department and the Sterling Town Board. Vernon was a loving and devoted father who enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities, listening to music, rebuilding cars, and painting tractors. He had a deep passion for the Sterling community and strongly desired to see St. John Lutheran Church remain strong for future generations.

Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Jeanine Hazen of Sterling; children, Greg (Megan) Hazen and Kirk (Natalie) Hazen all of Lincoln, Mike (Sarah) Hazen of Lake St. Louis, MO, Jon (Tina) Hazen of Sterling; ten grandchildren, Kasey and Kye Hazen and Kensington and Graham Hazen all of Lincoln, Noah, Madison and Luke Hazen of Lake St. Louis, MO and Blake, Clayton, and Alexis Hazen of Sterling; sister, Eldonna Hazen (Cathy Noth) of Madison, WI; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Shannon and Erma (Wehmer) Hazen; parents-in-law, Willie and Norma (Straube) Harms.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church of Sterling with Pastor Dennis Reich officiating. A family prayer service will be held at 10:15 A.M. on Saturday at the church. Burial will be at the Sterling Cemetery of Sterling. The body will lie in state at the Zink-Fox Funeral Home on Friday from noon until 8:00 P.M. with the family greeting relatives and friends on Friday from 5:30 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the family for future designation with Ruth Buss in charge. www. foxfuneralhome.net Arrangements entrusted to Zink-Fox Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Sterling.

▼