LuVerne A. Bushlack
Wednesday, November 19, 1941
Date of Death:
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Age:
84 years old
Visitation
Date: Monday January 19, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Memorial Service
Date: Monday January 19, 2026
Time: 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Calvary Cemetery Columbarium [ view map ]
Live stream
To view a live stream of the service, please click here.
Wednesday, November 19, 1941
Date of Death:
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Age:
84 years old
Wednesday, November 19, 1941
Date of Death:
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Age:
84 years old
LuVerne A. Bushlack
LuVerne (Vern) Andrew Bushlack of Rochester died on December 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous 20-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Vern was born on November 19, 1941, in Wells, Minnesota, to Joe and Clara Bushlack. He married the love of his life, Margaret (Marmie) Nieland, in 1969. Vern and Marmie lived most of their married life and raised their two children in Rochester, Minnesota. They spent 13 years as snow birds in Fountain Hills, Arizona.
Vern earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and education specialist degrees from the University of Minnesota. He began his career teaching agriculture at Kasson-Mantorville High School in 1963. He went on to establish award-winning horticulture programs at John Marshall High School and at Rochester Community and Technical College. Sharing his green thumb and love of the outdoors, Vern inspired students to enrich their surroundings by maintaining school grounds as part of the curriculum. Vern loved both teaching and his students. He received recognition from the Minnesota Future Farmers of America Hall of Fame, was named Outstanding Teacher of the Year by Minnesota Agriculture Educators, and received the Rochester Mayor’s Legacy Award Medal of Honor.
Vern greatly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved to travel, golf, tend to his gardens, and spend time outdoors. A loyal sports fan, Vern could often be found cheering on the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Gophers. His legacy lives on in the countless students who learned an appreciation for agriculture and horticulture, his wife, children, and grandchildren who carry on his love of family and beauty, and the many communities where he left his mark. He taught his students to work hard and do things right the first time. Vern was a kind and gentle soul who always put others first.
Vern leaves behind his devoted wife of 56 years, Marmie (Nieland); daughter Lisa (John) Norcross; son Jeff (Sally); granddaughters Katherine and Evelyn Norcross; brother Mark (Sharon) Bushlack; sister-in-law Nancy Bushlack. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Christopher; parents Joseph and Clara (Dulas); brothers Raymond, James, and Eugene; sisters Jane Stenzel and Collette Bushlack; brother-in-law David Stenzel; and sister-in-laws Rita and Lois.
The family requests memorials be made to the RCTC Foundation for the Vern Bushlack Scholarship Fund at Rochester Community and Technical College.
Funeral services will be held on January 19, 2026, at River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, Rochester, Minnesota. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., services at 11:00 with lunch following.
A livestream of the service will be available at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
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Condolences
The family of LuVerne A. Bushlack has received the following condolences.
Vern was far more than a teacher to me. He was a mentor who helped shape the direction of my life. As my horticulture teacher, he opened my eyes to the green industry and encouraged me to pursue it not just as a class, but as a calling. Through Horticulture Club, FFA, competitions, and hands-on learning, he showed us what excellence, responsibility, and pride in our work looked like.
It was largely because of Vern’s guidance and belief in me that I chose to attend Waseca, Minnesota for my first two years of college. This was a decision that ultimately led me into the profession I’ve built my life around. His mentorship mattered, and it lasted far beyond the classroom.
Vern invested in his students, and we worked hard because we didn’t want to let him down. His impact is evident in the many lives and careers he helped cultivate. I will always be grateful for his influence, his encouragement, and his passion for teaching.
My sincere condolences to Marmie and family. His legacy lives on through the countless students he inspired.
Chris Collins
John Marshall High School, Class of 1979
I am so sorry to see this!
I had Vern as my horticultural teacher at JM. I learned so much from him and went to the FFA conventions and Vern ALWAYS made it a fun and meaningful experience!
Vern is making the heavens extra beautiful now!
I am forever thankful for Vern and his love for Horticulture! He was one of the Best Teachers! He has inspired so many students and he will be missed. Lori class of 97
My Condolences to Vern's family. My Grandparents and Parents sparked my interest in horticulture and Vern polished it. From Kindergarten to a BBA, Vern was at the top as far as teachers that impacted me the most. From learning Horticulture to life lessons that help shape my success. All the awards he got was not enough to cover all the things he did for so many kids. He Nominated me for Kiwanis student of the month, gave me a job when jobs were scarce. He took us to FFA state Convention were our team placed very high in the horticulture judging contest and that was due to his leadership. All the kids wanted to work hard for him. May God's words bring you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Dave Buhr,
JMHS class of 83
Fantastic fellow that provided guidence and support as I was begining my years for teaching and FFA advisor. He will be missed. My sympathy to family & friends.
He was a great Ag class and Shop teacher at Kasson Mantorville. It was a joy to come to class and very was educational to learn from him.
He also led our FFA chapter and guided us how to show our animals at the area County fairs.
We were blessed to have him accept our invitation to our 50th Class Reunion in 2021.
May God bless his soul.
I remember having your dad at John Marshall he was a good teacher