Vernon Stankewitz Obituary

Vernon Paul Stankewitz died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009, in Dallas, Texas. The cause of death was a stroke. He was 65.

Mr. Stankewitz was born Feb. 1, 1944, in Oklahoma City, Okla., to George and Wilda Stankewitz. He graduated from

Capitol Hill High School and attended college for one year.

Mr. Stankewitz, who worked in the criminal bail-bond industry for 15 years, married Janyce Lynn Johnson on Aug. 10,

1978, in Dalhart, Texas. In 1990, the couple moved to Colorado, living nine years in Durango, four years in Silverton

and seven years in Bayfield. Before he retired, Mr. Stankewitz worked in sales for nine years at Pat Murphy Motors, the

last several years as assistant sales manager.

An outdoorsman, Mr. Stankewitz loved the mountains, off-roading, camping and photographing nature. Fireweed was a

particularly favorite target of his lens. Family members remember Mr. Stankewitz as loving a husband and father and the

originator of humorous one-liners - known in the family as “Vernisms."

Mr. Stankewitz is survived by his wife, Janyce, of Bayfield, daughters Paula Stankewitz of Tucson, Ariz., Laura Wright

of Chandler, Okla., and Kristine Price of Kemp, Texas, son Garrett Stankewitz of Durango; four grandchildren; and two

great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010,  at Pine River Cemetery in Bayfield, with Earl

Caudill officiating. Burial will be afterward at Pine River Cemetery.

Mr. Stankewitz was a proponent of organ donations. Mem-orial contributions may be made to the organ donation center of

one's choice.

Tributes may be offered at www2.tributes.com/show/Ver

non-Stankewitz.