On Saturday July 3, 2021, Vernus Earl James Connors 86, died peacefully with his son Earl "Rowdy" Connors by his side at Hospice House in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Vernus was born November 23, 1934 in Lake Benton MN to Earl James Connors and Mabel Katherine (Petersen) Connors. He is survived by a daughter Shannon (Daniel) Jass, a son Earl "Rowdy" (Rochelle) Connors of Memphis TN, a step-daughter Rhonda Cerney of Denver CO, a step-son Patrick Cerney, a brother Dan Connors, 8 grandsons, 8 granddaughters, 6 great granddaughters, 4 great grandsons and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vernus was preceded in death by his wife Patricia Connors, granddaughter Michelle Brand, sister Emogene Clark, a brother Rodney Connors, his parents Earl and Mabel Connors and a nephew Curtis Clark.

Vernus graduated high school in Norman Oklahoma and maintained many of his friendships throughout his life. Vernus married Patricia Jeanne (Ricketts) Cerney on April 19, 1963 and raised her 2 children as his own and then added 2 more children to their growing family. Vernus along with his father and their very large extended family traveled the "Grain Belt" building grain elevators the hard way. . . Bucket by Bucket. During the 1972 flood Vernus helped get flood survivors to the safety of Rapid Valley. Vernus was a Master Carpenter and started a construction company with his brothers and they built many houses and businesses here in the Rapid City area. In his early years Vernus earned his pilot license and owned 2 planes. Vernus was an avid Outdoorsman and Sportsman. His passion for fishing and trap shooting earned him many trophies over the years. He loved hunting for all game. Vernus built his family a camper and it was located at Sheridan Lake where he and his family spent time there all year-round making memories. Vernus also volunteered 30 + years to the Rushmore Little League all the way from Pee Wee to Pony both coaching and Umpiring. Vernus also participated in the Boy Scouts with his son Earl.

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Tuesday, July 6, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday, July 7, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 910 Wood Ave, Rapid City, SD 57701.

Burial will be at Mt. View Cemetery.