| Graduation Year | Class of 1975 |
| Date of Passing | Aug 28, 2017 |
| About | Vern William Mackleit passed away peacefully into the loving arms of his “Jehovah” on August 28, 2017, at Willow Springs after an extended illness. Vern was born February 12, 1957, to Eugene and Barbara Mackleit. He was raised in Yakima attending Robertson Elementary, Franklin Middle School, and graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1975. After graduation, Vern received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and American History from Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA, in 1979. Vern worked various jobs until his interest in the military took hold. He joined the US Army in 1982 but suffered a severe disabling injury in boot camp at Fort Benning, GA, and received an honorable discharge. He wanted to stay connected to his Army service so he worked for the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle, WA. He took meticulous care of his veterans in multiple aspects including counseling appointments, travel arrangements, benefits to families of deceased veterans, and developed claims for disabled and non-disabled veterans until his own disabilities forced an early retirement. Due to Vern’s physical limitations he turned his energy towards reading and studying – asking questions and seeking answers. He studied and had a strong understanding of history, politics, and the developments that drove military tactics and special operations. Vern was a lifetime member of First Baptist Church. He had a quiet faith, enjoyed his bible and referred to it frequently on outings with his sister. He relied on his faith in God “Jehovah” and his love for his family to get through the hardest ordeals of his life. Vern is survived by his mother Barbara Mackleit of Yakima, WA; his sister Kathy Cooper of Yakima, WA; brother Gene Mackleit, Jr., of Wentachee, WA; niece Jeanine Cooper of Spokane Valley, WA; nephew Justin Cooper and wife Dasha of Puyallup, WA; and great niece Kira Cooper of Puyallup, WA. He is preceded in death by his father Eugene Mackleit and brother Bill Mackleit. Vern’s family would like to thank Wayne Clark, ARNP, Donna and Dr. Kwon, of Waters Edge Pain Clinic for their care and compassion in helping with pain management; to Janet Ness, ARNP, at Yakima VA Clinic for her empathy and respect of Vern’s emotional needs, and all the staff of Willow Springs – especially charge nurse Rochelle for being so kind and patient to Vern during his time there. To honor Vern’s wishes, final services will be with family only. Memories may be shared at www.shawandsons.com. Yakima Herald Republic, Yakima, WA September 1, 2017 |
