Laverne “Vern” Barkel ’54

Laverne “Vern” Barkel, 88, of Holland, Michigan passed away on April 19, 2020.

Vern, a devout husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to countless others was taken by the COVID-19 virus and he is home with his Lord and Savior. He was eternally devoted to his wife of 62 years, Marjorie, family and extended family.

Vern graduated from Hope College, served in the U.S. Army, obtained an MBA and was an entrepreneur. Vern was also a gifted aerospace engineer participating in “The Greatest Engineering Adventure Ever Undertaken” by designing gyroscopes which enabled Lunar Landers to reach the Moon, Apollo 13 to navigate back home and kept the Hubble Telescope in orbit.

He cherished time with family, friends, exploring the woods, boating on Lake Michigan and following Hope College basketball. He was a member of First Church and Christ Memorial Churches.

He is survived by Marjorie, his children Jeanne (Barkel) and Tom Bossardet, Ed Barkel (Class of ‘84) and Michelle Morgan, grandchildren Andy (Heather) Bossardet, Sarah (Matt) Lucas, Matthew Barkel, Lydia Barkel and Zach Barkel and four great -grandchildren.