Vern was born in Woodstock, Illinois on October 7,1930. His father, John Helm was born in Romania in 1903. His mother, Emma was born in 1902 in Illinois. Vern joined the Air Force spending most of his four year enlistment at Macdill Air Force Base near Tampa, Florida as a transportation specialist. After leaving the Air Force, he continued this career and was eventually employed by Fiat Allis near Wheaton, Illinois as a transportation manager. During this time he met Colleen Flint who was employed in the same field for a plastic company in Wheaton, Illinois. Their relationship continued to grow during the next few years and soon afterward they were married on August 31,1978. This was a major turning point in their lives that led to many, many happy years together. Each had four children by their previous marriages.

In 1993, Vern and Colleen retired and moved to Sun Lakes Arizona. Golf was Vern's favorite past time; he played 4 or 5 times a week. His skills improved enormously and for many years he was the best player at his community golf course.

Vern was also an avid fan of professional sports – football, basketball, baseball and even hockey. After moving to Arizona he became a big supporter of the local teams but he never lost his interest in his favorite Chicago teams. The first thing he looked for in the morning newspaper was the sports section and the statistics for all his favorite teams.

Another of Vern's favorite pastimes was playing cards one night a week with friends at his community club house. He knew how to play numerous card games very well. But the game he preferred above all was Black Jack. He frequently used his computer to develop his skills at this game. The Casinos where he occasionally played lost most of the time.

Vern had a very sociable nature and a friendly personality. He always went out of his way to make his friends and family feel comfortable and welcome in his home. He loved to demonstrate his barbecue cooking skills which were quite good. His sense of humor was endless; you could never forget his laughter.