Verne Harry Upmier, 89 of Ely died Friday, May 11, 2007 at the Solon Care Center. Funeral Mass will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 15 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Brosh Chapel in Solon, where there will be a 6:30 p.m. vigil. There will be visitation an hour prior to services Tuesday at the church.

Verne's family came to Iowa when it was wilderness and unbroken prairie.  His grandfather was one of the first settlers in the state and homesteaded the farm that Verne lived on.  Many have had a connection with Verne Upmier during their lives.  One might have bought their first horse from Verne, went on a trail ride or hayrack ride at his place, or perhaps attended one of the many shows held at his big outdoor arena.  Verne was a colorful and interesting character who could have chosen many different paths to success.  His has always revolved around the horses. Be it riding, training, selling, or showing.  He was always in the forefront.

Verne is one of the founders of the Cedar Rapids Horseman's Club. He was instrumental in beginning the Iowa Stock Horse Association and helped start Miracles'n'Motion and the Kirkwood Community College equestrian programs. He has traveled throughout the world with horses and was proud to be able to call Roy Rogers a friend. In the world of horses, Verne Upmier is a legend.

Verne was a man whose reputation was that of the kindest, gentlest, and most honest men in Iowa horse history.  He bettered many lives my introducing people to the world of horses.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Hilda Hauser.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Miracles'n'Motion, 2049 120 St. NW, Swisher, IA.