1917
Vernon
2019
Vernon D. Casterline
April 13, 1917 — October 16, 2019
Dr. Vernon Dale Casterline, born April 13, 1917 passed away October 16, 2019 in his Keizer residence. Dr. Casterline was 102.
Vernon was born in Vida, Montana. His mother passed away when he was 1 ½ years old. Vernon and his older sister Lois went to live with their grandmother in Minnesota. He later returned to Montana to finish high school, graduating in 1935. After graduation, Vernon moved to Salem, Oregon in 1937 via an invitation from his aunts. While in Salem, he attended Willamette University and graduated in 1941. While attending classes at Willamette University, he worked part time down the road at Salem Hospital as their very first night orderly.
He enlisted in the Army in 1943 serving in the Medical Corp and honorably discharged in 1946 and later attended OHSU medical school in Portland where he graduated in 1948.
Vernon opened his General Practice (Physician & Surgeon) office in Keizer, Oregon in 1950 as Keizer’s first Doctor. He married his former surgical nurse from St. Vincent Hospital, Jeannie Ryser and together they raised five children. Retiring from his practice in 1986, Vernon kept busy making jewelry at the Salem Senior Center as well as being the Director of the Salem Plasma Center well into his 80’s. After Jeanne’s death in 2002, Vernon married Geri Swope in 2006 and enjoyed twelve wonderful years together.
The sense of community meant much to Vernon. He found himself as part of a number of men and women starting their businesses in Keizer during the early 1950’s. He was there to see and be part of Keizer moving from a community into a town with essential services. He often spoke fondly of Earl Mootry (Pharmacist), Jerry Bowerly (Dentist), Ray Boucher (Jeweler), Larry Ham (Union 76 Service Station), Al Lamer (TV Repair/Sales), Jack Johnson (Keizer Saw Shop), Robert Thomas (Sheriff) and others as they were all pioneers of this wonderful community. He volunteered as the McNary High School Sports Team Physician from 1968-1986. Vernon worked tirelessly with others to preserve the history of Keizer, most specifically the memory of the old Keizer School House and he was integral in the creation of the Keizer Heritage Foundation.
Vernon is survived by his five children: Vernon (Sandy) Casterline of WI, Patricia Casterline of Keizer, Mark Casterline of Ontario, Scott (Barbara) Casterline of Keizer, Debra Casterline (Gary) of Canby, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Viewing will be held on Friday, November 15 from 3pm – 6pm at Keizer Funeral Chapel. A private graveside service will be held for family Saturday morning at Claggett Creek Cemetery.
Public memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 16 at 2pm at Life Spring Church 9165 Portland Rd, Brooks, Or 97305. Arrangements by Keizer Funeral Chapel.
Vernon was born in Vida, Montana. His mother passed away when he was 1 ½ years old. Vernon and his older sister Lois went to live with their grandmother in Minnesota. He later returned to Montana to finish high school, graduating in 1935. After graduation, Vernon moved to Salem, Oregon in 1937 via an invitation from his aunts. While in Salem, he attended Willamette University and graduated in 1941. While attending classes at Willamette University, he worked part time down the road at Salem Hospital as their very first night orderly.
He enlisted in the Army in 1943 serving in the Medical Corp and honorably discharged in 1946 and later attended OHSU medical school in Portland where he graduated in 1948.
Vernon opened his General Practice (Physician & Surgeon) office in Keizer, Oregon in 1950 as Keizer’s first Doctor. He married his former surgical nurse from St. Vincent Hospital, Jeannie Ryser and together they raised five children. Retiring from his practice in 1986, Vernon kept busy making jewelry at the Salem Senior Center as well as being the Director of the Salem Plasma Center well into his 80’s. After Jeanne’s death in 2002, Vernon married Geri Swope in 2006 and enjoyed twelve wonderful years together.
The sense of community meant much to Vernon. He found himself as part of a number of men and women starting their businesses in Keizer during the early 1950’s. He was there to see and be part of Keizer moving from a community into a town with essential services. He often spoke fondly of Earl Mootry (Pharmacist), Jerry Bowerly (Dentist), Ray Boucher (Jeweler), Larry Ham (Union 76 Service Station), Al Lamer (TV Repair/Sales), Jack Johnson (Keizer Saw Shop), Robert Thomas (Sheriff) and others as they were all pioneers of this wonderful community. He volunteered as the McNary High School Sports Team Physician from 1968-1986. Vernon worked tirelessly with others to preserve the history of Keizer, most specifically the memory of the old Keizer School House and he was integral in the creation of the Keizer Heritage Foundation.
Vernon is survived by his five children: Vernon (Sandy) Casterline of WI, Patricia Casterline of Keizer, Mark Casterline of Ontario, Scott (Barbara) Casterline of Keizer, Debra Casterline (Gary) of Canby, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Viewing will be held on Friday, November 15 from 3pm – 6pm at Keizer Funeral Chapel. A private graveside service will be held for family Saturday morning at Claggett Creek Cemetery.
Public memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 16 at 2pm at Life Spring Church 9165 Portland Rd, Brooks, Or 97305. Arrangements by Keizer Funeral Chapel.
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