George Bramble

George “Vern” Bramble

August 20, 1920 ~ May 22, 2014

George “Vern” Bramble joined his beloved wife, Verla in heaven on May 22, 2014. Over the course of his 93 years, George's life was dedicated to service to his country, his community, his family and was punctuated by the enjoyment of life's simplest pleasures like homemade ice cream, parades and mystery novels.

Born to George H. Bramble and Emma Hohnstein Bramble on August 20, 1920 in Hastings, Nebraska, George excelled early in academics, track and field and doted on his younger sister Geraldine Meling. Upon graduation from Hastings High School, he attended Hastings College of Commerce, were he would meet the love of his life, Verla Oline and they were married on December 14, 1941. After George was drafted in 1942, by the Army Air Corps, the newlyweds moved to Denver, Colorado. In the shadow of Longs Peak, they welcomed the birth of their first son, Robert Allan Bramble. While the young couple enjoyed their introduction to the Mountain West, they returned to Nebraska to be near family and friends when George was discharged from the Army. Their second son, William Lee Bramble was born in Hastings, where George was working for the US Navy.

In 1962, George and his family moved to Ogden, Utah where George would serve as an Administrative Officer at Hill Air Force Base. Retiring after 22 years of service at Hill, George and Verla chose to stay in Ogden because they loved the climate, their church and the community of their adopted home.

George continued to stay busy after retirement, participating in various organizations, like the El Kalah Shrine, Scottish Rite and the Unity Lodge #18. When not coordinating the Ogden Shrine Circus, he could be found marching in parades with the Ogden Shrine Band where he played the cymbals.

George and Verla also were deeply committed volunteers at St. Benedicts Hospital (now Ogden Regional). Over the course of his 24 years working at the hospital, George logged over 8000 hours of service-- humbly volunteering where the hospital needed him the most. In 2005, George was awarded the Utah Points of Light Award, because of his dedication to the volunteer program at St. Benedicts. When asked what fueled his volunteer spirit, George replied, "It is important to seek God's Kingdom in our everyday lives."

George is survived by his sister, Geraldine Meling, El Cajon, California. His two sons, Bob and his wife Carla of Tacoma, Washington, and Bill and his wife Paula of Vancouver, Washington. Five grandchildren: Darby Bramble(Zach Zipfel), Heather Austin (Mike Austin), Adam Bramble (Molly Bramble), Morgan Bramble and Kristen Bramble and four great-grandchildren.

George was preceded death by his cherished wife of 73 years, Verla on Jan 28, 2013.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.  Friends may visit with family on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary.

A graveside service will be held at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd., where military honors will be accorded with Masonic Rights by Unity Lodge #18.

The family would like to thank the faithful neighbors, friends, church members, Mt. Ridge caregivers and hospice who supported and comforted George during the last months and weeks of his life.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations the Community United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.