VERNON (VERN) JUNGKEIT was born on July 11, 1942, in the farming community of Lebanon, Oregon.
He passed away on February 28, 2020, after numerous years of advanced chronic illness.
Vern was raised with a strong work ethic, and he lived in this manner his entire life. The inherent responsibility of farm living brought him many achievements and helped build his character.
Throughout his high school years, he was very active in the Elk Grove, CA chapter of Future Farmers of America. Year after year he showed registered Ayrshire dairy cows at the CA State Fair, Sacramento County Fair, and the Cow Palace in San Francisco. Vern’s excellence in this pursuit brought him numerous awards and honors over many years. Area newspapers regularly published his accomplishments, lauding his hundreds of ribbons and trophies. In his junior year of high school, he was named FFA State Farmer during the FFA convention held at CA Polytechnic College in San Luis Obispo.
Vern married his high school sweetheart, Carol (Rueb), in 1960. She was the love of his life. They began their own dairy farm in Elk Grove, CA. In the following years they were blessed with four children.
Vern was always proud of their children and took an active role in their every endeavor, encouraging and supporting them. He coached Pop Warner football, high school football, and girls softball. Some of his hobbies included golf, camping, fishing, and crabbing.
He accepted Jesus as his Savior at the age of 9, following a vacation Bible school in Oregon. Throughout his life he served the Lord in a variety of ways…guest services and ushering, children’s ministry, choir and men’s chorus – to name a few. He was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.
His love of family was paramount in his life. This love and pride continued with his 10 grandchildren, always bringing a smile to his face. He loved the many camping trips with them in the RV. We will miss him greatly!
Vern is survived by his wife, Carol, and their four children: daughter, Kathy Jungkeit;
son, Michael Jungkeit (Kelee); son, Mark Jungkeit (Karen); daughter, Cheri Parsons (David); and 10 grandchildren: Christopher Jungkeit, Hannah Jungkeit, Sarah Lozano (Frankie), Rebekah O’Brien (Brody),Heather Fernandes (Alec), Matthew Jungkeit, Nathan Parsons (Maya), Dylan Parsons, Brandon Parsons, and Justin Parsons. One great-grandchild: Logan Lozano.
A celebration of his life will commence on March 14, 2020 at 2:00 pm. The service will be held at GracePoint Church, Bremerton, WA. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to GracePoint Church 8278 State Hwy 303 Bremerton, WA 98311. An online memorial can be see at www.poulsbomortuary.com
