Obituaries

LaVerne “Vern” Anton Birrenkott of Madison passed away peacefully on Wednesday January 15 at the age of 91. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Vern was well known in the community as the longtime owner of Birrenkott Appliance Inc.

Vern was born on Dec 9, 1933 to Leo and Catherine (Hellenbrand) Birrenkott. He grew up on Atwood Avenue with his sisters Helene (Pertzborn) and Lorraine (Maly), ironically just walking distance from his future appliance store. His childhood was filled with hockey games at Olbrich Park, softball with his life-long friends and working at the nearby Monona Drive-In Root Beer Stand (Hungry, Hungry). He graduated from East High School in 1952, worked at Madison Kipp before serving in the Army as a tank mechanic in Germany.

Before enlisting, Vern met Valerie O’Brien at a dance at the Park Ponderosa Ballroom in McFarland WI. Upon returning home, they married on August 17, 1957 and shared 67 beautiful years together, raising five sons and creating a lifetime of memories.

Vern began his career as appliance repairman at Montgomery Ward. There he met Ken Snell, and in 1961 the two took a leap of faith and opened Snell & Birrenkott Appliance on Williamson Street. In 1984, Vern became the sole owner of Birrenkott Appliance, located “at the corner of Atwood & Fair Oaks.” Known for his exceptional customer service, Vern handled everything from sales, delivery, and appliance repair, always going the extra mile for his customers. He operated the business for 60 years until retiring in 2021. The family thanks longtime employees Elmer Braun, George Mulcahey and Mike Pahmeier for their dedication to Vern and the business. We would also like to thank his past Tip Club members, a fellowship he thoroughly enjoyed.

Outside of work, Vern was a true family man and lifelong member of St. Dennis Parish. He took his family on many camping trips, locally with the St. Dennis Campers as well as out-of-state road trips. Together Vern and Val enjoyed their special trips – to Austria, Bahamas, Jamaica, Hawaii, and especially Ireland. They shared a lifelong love of live music, gracefully dancing the waltz, polka, and square dances throughout their entire time together. Vern also enjoyed his lifelong memberships at the East Side Club and the Elks Club, resulting in many wonderful relationships.

Vern is survived by his beloved wife Valerie; his five sons Mark (Ginny), Gary, Eric, Brian (Laurie), and Jeff (Leslie); seven grandchildren Scott, Drew (Morgan Breene), Brant (Lianna Mack), Kirsten (Zach) Thayer, Erica (Stephen) Miller, Teagan, and Jase; four great grandchildren Ace, Leo, and Chloe and Evelyn; and his two sisters Helene Pertzborn and Lorraine (Norm) Maly. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Martha Schulz, brother-in-law Fred Pertzborn, and nephew Bill Maly.

To Vern’s customers: Thank you for your loyal support for th0se 60 years. Without question, your support was one of the main reasons for Vern’s long, healthy, and enjoyable life. You kept him young! To the Agrace Hospice and Sun Prairie Senior Living Staff: Our eternal gratitude for your outstanding guidance and phenomenal care. You truly “made a difference!”

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m at RYAN FUNERAL HOMES, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, as well as on Wednesday, January 22 from 10 – 11 am at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison. Mass and luncheon to follow, burial at 2 pm at Highland Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to the St. Dennis Parish.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Avenue

608-249-8257