Vernis L. Haugland, 81, of LaCrosse and formerly of Sparta died Thursday, March 2, 2006 at Bethany Riverside, La Crosse. She was born on December 15, 1924 in La Crosse, Wisconsin to Albert and Freida (Johns) Justin. She grew up in La Crosse and graduated from LaCrosse Central in 1942.

     She married Adolph Haugland on May 5, 1946 at the United Church of Christ at Mormon Coulee. After marriage they moved to Sparta. They worked as house parents and youth counselors at the Wisconsin Child Center. Vernis later worked as a bookkeeper at Sparta Lumber Co., Dodge and Davis and then at Wesco.

     Vernis was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Sparta and a member of the altar guild and Shalom Circle; a member of Lioness, and V.F.W. Auxiliary. She volunteered at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Tomah and was active in the Lions Eye Bank program. She enjoyed wild birds, feeding squirrels, country drives, and family gatherings.

     She is survived by her children, Steven (Linda) Haugland of Plymouth, MN, Julie (Mike) Beckel of Missoula, Montana; a granddaughter, Jenessa (Matthew) Cavanaugh of Lolo, Montana; a brother, Don (Elaine) Justin of LaCrosse; nieces and nephews.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Adolph on October 15, 2005, and a sister, Jean Kammel.

      Funeral services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sparta with Reverend Jeffrey Wm. Miller and Reverend Matthew E. Toso officiating. Burial will be in the Mormon Coulee Memorial Park, La Crosse.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta on Sunday from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.

     Memorials may be given to a charity of your choice.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.