Vernon Arvid Dalback

Vernon Arvid Dalback, 86, formerly of Austin, TX, passed away on Thursday morning, April 4, 2024, at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Johnson City, TN after a period of declining health with his family by his side.

Vernon proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 25 years where he specialized in Electronics. While serving overseas on Okinawa he also took lessons at the local aero club and received his private pilot’s license. Later he attended Texas State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He continued with his specialization in electronics with subsequent careers at South Austin Community Hospital and The University of Texas where he retired in 2009.

After retiring Vern began construction of a cabin on the shores of Lake Superior in Ontonagon County, MI where he thereafter spent every summer enjoying time with family and friends and pursuing his passion for biking and running. In his running career, he completed countless races including 26 marathons with the Boston, New York City and Big Sur marathons being his personal favorites.

Vernon was born to the late John Arvid Dalback and Ida Karvola Dalback in Rousseau, MI. In addition to his parents, Vern was preceded in death by son, Steven Mitchell Dalback. He was also preceded in death by sisters Violet Mote, Eileen Mamula and Florence Fry and brothers Norman Frisk and Felix Frisk.

Survivors include his loving wife of sixty-five years, Carol Kilmer Dalback; children, Nina (Larry) Heffner, and Shari (Mando) Cantu; grandchildren Erik (Isabel) Cantu, Daniel Heffner, and Erin (Oliver) Pratt; great grandsons Owen Pratt and Dominic Cantu; along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The Dalback family would like to extend a special thank you to the VA doctors and nurses on the C-200 Ward. Celebrations of Vern's life will be held in the coming months in Texas and Michigan. Vern was a loving person who will be sorely missed by family and friends.