Vern Allan Haase, age 79, of North Platte, NE, passed away on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, in North Platte.

Vern was born in 1936, to Dean Ritter and Mable Carolyn Diener Haase in North Platte where he grew up. He graduated from North Platte High School in 1954 then went on to receive his Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration from McCook Community College in 1956. Vern returned to North Platte and went to work for Mac’s Hardware until 1959 when he joined the U.S. Army.

Following his discharge in 1962, Vern returned to his position at Mac’s Hardware, which eventually became Ace Hardware. Vern was co-owner of Ace Hardware until 2005 when the store was sold and he retired.

He was a member of the North Platte J.C.’s, B.P.O. Elk’s #985 and P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion. Vern enjoyed spending his time fishing at the lake, reading, building miniature steam engines and model trains. Vern was also talented in music. In high school, he received honors for playing the drums and later was lead guitarist with a local country music band, Hadley Barrett and the Westerners.

Vern is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Haase and Julie Haase, both of Omaha, NE; sister, Shirley Turner, of North Platte; niece, Angela Turner, of Grand Island, NE; nephews, Steven (Debbie) Turner, of Frisco, CO, and Timothy Turner, of North Platte; and other family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Carolyn.

Funeral Service will be 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. The casket will be closed the day of the service. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to NET Television.