Howard “Grizzly” LaVerne Vinson, Age 78, of Melrose (formally Onalaska), passed away peacefully on June 29^th, 2016 in Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center surrounded by loving family. He was born on March 30, 1938 to Orville and Ada (Kelly) Vinson. He married Darlene Jacobs on August 23, 1958. They later divorced and he met and married Mary L. Brown on December 28, 1969.

Howard served in the US Navy from 1955 to 1957. He was an avid sportsman and loved hunting and fishing with his kids and brothers. He especially loved ice fishing with his good friend Larry Thompson. He traveled the U.S. as a truck driver for many years hauling everything from concrete to beer. Restoring old vehicles was something he enjoyed very much and always got his kids involved in his projects. Many trophies are stored away that are a testament to the success of those family projects. He even helped build and drove stock cars in the LaCrosse area many years ago with his friend Ed Rinartz.

He is survived by his loving wife Mary and 4 children: Laura Randell, Linda Raper, Vicki Vinson, and Timothy (Danielle) Vinson; 4 grand-children and 5 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers: Everett “Butch” (Mary), Terry (Linda), Joe (Candi), and Clifford; 1 sister Sandy (Lyle) Saumweber; 2 step-sisters: Crystal Kunz and Irene Greeno; 1 step-brother John (Gigi) Greeno; 2 sisters-in-law: Helen Ward and Patricia Vinson; also a host of beloved extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers Floyd and David.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Burial with military honors will be held at Mormon Coulee Park Cemetery.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.