Vernon E. Erusha

Born in Rural, Amana on October 6, 1929
Departed on September 8, 2008. Resided in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Memorial

Vernon E. Erusha, 78, of 153 Guilford SE, died Monday September 8, 2008 in Mercy Medical Center following a lingering illness. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Thursday at All Saints Catholic Church by the Revs. David O'Connor and James Blocklinger. Burial: St. John's Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be from 4-7 today at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home where a vigil will begin at 4:00 p.m.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Rose Marie, his children, Rose Mary Erusha, Steve Erusha Peggy, Pamela E. Johnson Sam Jr., and David Erusha Kathy all of Cedar Rapids, his sister Dorothy Votroubek Emil of Cedar Rapids, and grandchildren, Emily Erusha-Hilleque Gordon, Jon Illian Kirsten, Stephanie Erusha, Daniel Erusha, Elizabeth Erusha, Timothy R. Johnson, Benjamin E. Johnson and three great-grandchildren, Michael Erusha, Bryson and Elisabeth Illian. His siblings, Barbara Schulte, John Erusha, Helen Shebetka and Wilma Novak preceded him in death.

Vernon was born October 6, 1929 in rural Amana, the son of John L. and Barbara Svoboda Erusha. He married Rose Marie Cosgrove on July 29, 1947 in Cedar Rapids at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He owned and operated Thrifty Foods store in Cedar Rapids and then returned to farming at his childhood farm. He became a realtor in 1957, joining the Cedar Rapids Real Estate Board in 1962. Vernon established Erusha Realtors in 1962 and continued as its owner/operator for 45 years. After more than 40 years as a Realtor and 50 years of service to the Association, Vernon was awarded Realtor Emeritus, one of only 9 to achieve this status.

Vernon served as President of the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors and chaired a number of committees including the Multiple Listing Service Committee, Program and Entertainment Committee, Legislative Committee and Public Relations Committee. Vernon was also an active member of the Iowa Associations of Realtors, serving on the state membership and convention committees. He was past director of INRELCO and elected 3 times to serve on the Cedar Rapids Association of Realtors Board of Directors. Vernon was a member of All Saints Catholic Church, the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus, a long time member of Elmcrest Country Club, St. Ludmila's parish council, a board member of Sutherland Square, sand erved on the Cedar Rapids Condemnation Board.

Vernon's real passion was farming. He was very hard working. Rose Marie and Vernon loved to travel, especially to Jamacia. Vernon loved sports, especially the Cubs. He really enjoyed spending time with his family and with especially the grandchildren.

Vernon's family would like to extend a special thank you to Jacquelyn O'Briant for the care and joy she brought him these last months.

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