Vernon V. Owen

His Story

Vernon Vincent Owen was born August 20, 1907, in Rock County, Wisconsin, the son of C. D. and Agnes Walsh Owen. He grew up in the Stoughton area and spent much of his life in the community he would later serve through veterans, civic and church organizations.

Owen entered the U.S. Army on April 23, 1942, during World War II. He was stationed at Chanute Field, Illinois, where he served with the Office of the Station Veterinarian. From January 1, 1943, through August 31, 1945, Corporal Owen served as a meat inspector with the Quartermaster Market Center in Chicago. His work involved supervising meat inspections and ensuring that products purchased for the Army met required standards for purity, grade and quality.

His performance brought special recognition from the Army Air Forces Technical Training Center at Scott Field, Illinois. Following his discharge on September 8, 1945, Owen was awarded the Army Commendation Ribbon for his wartime service. The commendation praised his efficiency, judgment, knowledge of Army sanitary standards and food inspection, and his work protecting the government's interests during a period when acceptable food products were often difficult to obtain.

After returning home, Owen resumed a long career with Armour & Company in Stoughton. He had first joined the company as a chemist and later worked in transportation management. When Armour's Stoughton operation was sold in 1960, he became manager of the Armour and Company operation in Stoughton and transferred to Chicago, retiring in 1962.

Owen remained deeply involved in Stoughton community life. A member of American Legion Post 59 for many years, he was installed as Post Commander in 1953. During his command, he also served as general chairman of the Post's second annual Sportsman's Meet, a major fundraising event featuring trap shooting, rifle competitions, a turkey shoot and archery.

His service to the community extended well beyond the American Legion. Owen was a member and past president of the Stoughton Lions Club, later serving as a district governor. He was also a past president of the Stoughton Conservation Club, a member of the Stoughton Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the Dane County American Red Cross. At St. Ann Catholic Church, he served as a trustee for 17 years and as treasurer of the congregation for 17 years. He was also a member and past president of the Holy Name Society.

Owen married Gladys Gagnon of Minong on August 22, 1942. The couple had three children, Ann, Sue and Mike. In his later years, Owen worked in real estate in Stoughton.

Vernon V. Owen died November 17, 1989, at Stoughton Hospital at the age of 82. He was buried in St. Ann Cemetery in Stoughton.

His life reflected decades of service — first to his country during World War II and later to American Legion Post 59, his church and the Stoughton community.