Vernon L. Gosha, 77

Vernon L. Gosha, 77, of Austin, died Friday, Jan. 31, 2003, at Austin Medical Center.

He was born April 5, 1925, in Taopi, to Joseph and Winnifred (Stern) Gosha.

He graduated from Austin High School in 1943 and served in the Army from June 30, 1943 to April 23, 1946. On Dec. 28, 1946, he married Jean E. Ross at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Austin.

Vernon attended Austin Junior College and was employed as a foreman for 29 years with the Hormel Foods Corporation, until his retirement in 1986.

He was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, where he was a longtime choir member. He was also a member of the American Legion, the VFW and had served on the YMCA board of directors. He enjoyed woodworking and home improvement projects along with reading, puzzles and computers.

Survivors include wife, Jean Gosha, Austin; sons and daughter-in-law, Michael and Susan Gosha, Austin; Craig Gosha, Minneapolis; Douglas Gosha, Rochester; Thomas Gosha, Austin; daughter, Mary Gosha, Rochester; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Delores Gosha, Rochester; niece and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Eugene Gosha.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. today, Feb. 3, 2003, at the funeral home and Tuesday at the church for one hour before the service.

Service: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with the Rev. Ronald Barnett officiating.

Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.

Funeral Home: Clasen-Jordan Mortuary, Austin.

Memorials: To St. Olaf Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.