Vernon J. Alflen,
age 94, died Monday, April 25, at Byron Manor-Meadow Place.
age 94, died Monday, April 25, at Byron Manor-Meadow Place.Vern owned the Alflen Bros. Farm Implement dealership in Wayland, and at one time was said to have the largest dealership in Western Michigan. He enjoyed his time working with the local farm community before retiring to Florida in 1986
He proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II and spent time in France for his country. Upon returning to Michigan and his home in Dorr, he became a member of St. Mary’s Visitation Parish in New Salem. Vern was a member of St. Therese Parish in Wayland for many years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Vern is survived by his children: Mary Jo Alflen, Steve (Jill) Alflen and Tracy (Ron) Tanner, and Paul (Lenie) Bouten (an exchange student in 1967 who continued to be a member of the family). His grandchildren: Julie (Aaron) Ziola, Petra (John) Hinkle, Heath (Jen) Alflen, Trevor (Nikkie) Alflen, David (Renee) Permoda, Ross Tanner, Reid Tanner and Rylie Tanner. Vern was blessed with 17 great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by his brother Walter D. (Helen) Alflen, sisters-in-law Louise Alflen and Adeline Alflen, along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Mary Lou Alflen, his son, Gregory V. Alflen, and two brothers, Edwin Alflen and Victor Alflen.
Friends may visit with Vern’s family from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Services, Wayland, where a Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 29, at St. Mary’s Visitation Catholic Church, New Salem, with Father Stephen Rodrigo presiding. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. at Resurrection Cemetery, Wyoming, Mich.
Donations in memory of Vern may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 2221 Health Dr SW #1400, Wyoming.
Mr. Alflen was a great guy with a fine and loving family. His dealership was one of the largest in W. Michigan and I remember those big Case tractors parked outside waiting for farmers to buy. The Alflen family (Vern and his brothers) at one time owned the Case dealership, the John Deere dealership next to Airport Bowling Lanes, and the Dodge/Plymouth dealership. They provided many jobs for the area and were a vital part of the local economy.