Vernon D. Piehl

Vernon Douglas Piehl, age 82, of Gibbon, passed away Sunday, November 9, 2025, at St. Luke’s Good Samaritan Home in Kearney. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh. com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Vernon was born October 24, 1943, in Arlington, South Dakota, to Vernon G. and Leona L. (York) Piehl. He was raised in Grand Island and attended Grand Island Public Schools.

On July 21, 1962, Vernon was united in marriage to Joyce McMullen. The marriage was blessed with four children.

Vernon proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1962 until his honorable discharge in 1964.

The family made their home in Gibbon where he worked for the railroad for over 30 years.

Vernon was a talented mechanic and enjoyed tinkering in his garage. He was an avid Husker football and volleyball fan. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR on Sunday afternoons.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Joyce Piehl, of Gibbon; children, John (Tammy) Piehl, of St. Libory, Jerry Piehl, of Grand Island, Jennifer Piehl, of Kearney, and Jeanette (Shannon) Slagle, of Gibbon; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Joan Aguilar of Las Vegas, NV; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carolyn (Jerry) Helm; and brother-inlaw, Tony Aguilar.