Vernell V. Handrich

Vernell Victor Handrich was bom near Mio, Michigan on July 26, 1928 to Harvey and Ruby Handrich. He died April 18,2009 in Guntersville, Alabama following surgery that resulted after a recent fall.
He married Ethel Miller on September 9,1950. Ethel passed away October 23,2008. They had two children, Jerry and Connie.
He worked as a truck driver, picking up cream and taking it to Remus, Michigan. He worked in the woods for a short time also. Then for nearly 30 years, he worked as a service and salesman for Surge Company in Fairview. He had several heart attacks fairly young in his life and had to retire.
For 14 years, he lived 8 months in Venice, Florida and 4 months in Fairview, Michigan. He loved those years in Florida, especially walking along the beach and gathering sea shells which he then made into various little animals, using his creative talents. He also loved making things from wood. His family treasures the shelves and many little items that he whittled with his knife. In 2005, he moved permanently to Fairview, due to his health. Most recently, Vernell had the privilege of staying with his son Jerry in Alabama where he frequented McDonalds often and loved the visits with his grandsons.
He accepted Christ in his youth, and was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Venice, Florida. He attended Fairview Mennonite Church when able.
He is survived by his son Jerry (Diane) Handrich; daughter Connie (Merle) Mullet; and seven grandchildren, Jeremiah (Ashley), Craig and Lance Handrich and Marshall (Luanne), Winston (Jody), Merrilee and Sterling Victor Mullet; brothers Darrel (Melba) Handrich, Ronald (Betty) Handrich; and one sister Twila (Boyd) Kauffman.
He was preceded in death by his wife Ethel, parents Harvey & Ruby Handrich, and step-mother Mable, one brother Orford, two sisters, Carol (Jim) Gerber and Velda Neff, and one brother-in-law Curtis Neff.
The family especially thanks Dad's sister and brothers for their love and attention to their parents needs in the past several years. They were able to remain in their home, living a basically independent life because of the self-sacrificing love that was given them on a daily basis by Twila.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery.
Arrangements were made by Lashley Funeral Home of Mio.