Vernon Duane Waltz

            Vernon Duane Waltz, loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, cousin, and friend, entered heaven’s gate May 23, 2026. Vern was born in Brookville, Indiana on July 30, 1940 to Wayne and Grace Waltz.

            After graduating from Brookville High School, he received his undergraduate, masters, and principal license from Ball State University. He spent 35 years teaching and coaching, and finished his career as principal of Switzerland County High School. After retiring, Vern served 8 years on Switzerland County School Board. Vern also worked as a realtor for 35 years, working for Fehrman and Rider Realty. He was very successful and received many sales awards.

            Vern was a people person. He enjoyed having breakfast at Jack’s with friends, Tuesday breakfast with church friends and Friday breakfast with teacher friends. Vern loved to travel. He and Mary Ellen spent time in Florida enjoying the sun and fishing. Two memorable vacations were a trip to Germany with teacher friends and a trip to Alaska with church friends. Vern worked in his shop making furniture for Mary Ellen and rocking horses in Scott’s memory to be given to Toys for Tots. Vern also enjoyed working in his flower garden and landscaping the yard. Vern loved his country and proudly displayed flags – even painting lawn chairs red, white, and blue. Vern was to be the Grand Marshall of the 4th of July parade in Patriot, Indiana. He was instrumental in making many improvements to town areas such as the park and boat ramp.

            Vernon is survived by his wife Mary Ellen, daughter Kim Powell, stepson Royce Heim (Beth), grandsons A.J. Waltz (Brittany), Jacob Powell (Ashley), and Will Kemper, granddaughters Lauren Heim and Haley Heim, great granddaughters Kimber Powell and Charleigh Waltz, brother Gerald Waltz, daughers-in-law Teri Waltz and Franciene Heim, and many fond nieces and nephews. Vern was preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Grace Waltz, son Scott Waltz, stepson Eric Heim, granddaughter Rachel Powell, brothers Keith and Dale Waltz, and sister Bertha Ellernbusch.

            The family expresses, “Thank you Shady Nook nurses and staff for the loving care shown to Vern. He will be missed by all, but until we meet again, fly high Vern.”

Memorial services are to be held Saturday, May 30th at the Rising Sun Methodist Church in Rising Sun, Indiana, visitation from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, with funeral at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the RS Methodist Church or to Welcome Home Warriors for the support of honor flights for veterans. 

Markland Funeral Home of Rising Sun, IN serving the family.

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