Vernon Lea Poehlein, age 97, of Nevada, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2026, surrounded by his family at Windsor Manor in Nevada. Vern was born on July 1, 1928, in Moline, Illinois, the son of Otto Louis and L. Pauline (Shaeffer) Poehlein. He graduated from Nevada High School in 1946 and later attended Iowa State University. On December 29, 1949, Vern was united in marriage to Norma Jean Henry at Central Presbyterian Church in Nevada. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work.

Vern spent his working years as a salesman for Sealy Mattress Company, calling on furniture stores throughout his territory. He was known for his friendly nature and the relationships he built along the way. In retirement, Vern and Norma enjoyed 10 years together in Leesburg, Florida, before Norma’s passing in 2021. After returning to Iowa, Vern made his home at Windsor Manor in Nevada.

Vern found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid golfer; holding the course record in Nevada in high school and shooting a hole-in-one at a course in Orlando, Florida. He was also an accomplished woodworker who especially enjoyed making golf clubs, and he loved spending time fishing and swimming. More than anything, Vern treasured his family and the many memories they shared over the years.

Vern is survived by his four daughters, Peggy Poehlein of Carnation, Washington, Pamela Hall of Huxley, Iowa, Patti (William) Foster of Lancaster, Wisconsin, and Paula Barber of Coralville, Iowa; his grandchildren, Matthew Hall, Nichole (Robert) McCrady, Benjamin Foster, Jason Foster, Joshua Barber, and Lance (Madison) Poehlein; his great-grandchildren, Abigayle (Ben) Facio, Brooke Hall, Nathan Hall, Margaret McCrady, John McCrady and Arthur Poehlein; his great-great-granddaughter, Waverly Shirk; and his brother, Paul (Barbara) Poehlein of Columbia, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Pauline; his wife, Norma; his sister, Mary Peterson; his son-in-law, Dan Hall; and an infant son, Donald Poehlein.

Vern has been cremated, and he will be laid to rest privately in the columbarium at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery in Nevada. Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with caring for Vern and his arrangements. Condolences may be shared online with his family at rasmussonfh.com.