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Vernon H. 'Vern' Veenhuis Isle, MN QCWA # 17819 Chapter 8 |
Vernon H. Veenhuis was born September 3, 1933, to Carl and Emma Veenhuis in Heron Lake, Minnesota. Vernon was baptized as an infant at the Westbrook Lutheran Church. At age 4, his family moved to the Hutchinson, MN area where his family farmed.
He attended several country schools from 1st to 6th grade, and from there went on to Parochial School at St. John's Lutheran Church in Cedar Mills, MN, completing grades 7 and 8. He was confirmed at the church after 8th grade. From there, he attended Hutchinson High School, graduating in 1951.
After graduating, he worked as an Extra Board Telegrapher with Western Union in Minneapolis, MN. In 1952, he enlisted with the US Army, and served for 3 years. At this time, his tour was served in Germany with the Army Security Agency as a High Speed Radio Operator. After serving 3 years, he re-enlisted in the United States Air Force. His primary duty for the following years was as a Cold Weather Survival Instructor in various locations in Alaska. During the winter of 1957 to 1958, he served as a Radio Operator/Repairman on Drift Station Alpha, which is near the North Pole.
After his discharge in 1959, he chose to remain in Alaska. He worked as a Welder on a natural gas line for one season. He then became a Commercial Fisherman, primarily halibut and salmon, in the Cook Inlet for two seasons.
In 1960, he returned to Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota.
In 1960, he was blessed with his marriage to Lyla Otto at the Trinity Evangelical & Reformed Church in Lynn Township. They moved to Maplewood where Vernon was employed as a Mechanical Design Engineer at the Maplewood 3M Research Facility for 30 years.
They raised 3 children: Sherry, Mark, and Kurt.
After retiring from 3M in 1993, residence was established in the Mora, MN area on 80 acres of land and built a new home which was completed in 1994.
Vernon was an avid Amateur Ham Radio Operator (call sign KUOS) with recognition. He belonged to the 3M Radio Club and the Twin Cities DX Association. He was also a member of the 3M Archery Club and participated in many archery tournaments, winning numerous trophies. He enjoyed fishing, especially Canadian fly-ins. He was an enthusiast when it came to hunting through the years with archery equipment, rifles, shotguns and muzzle loaders. He was diligent in preparation and tending to large gardens. He loved chopping wood, intently organized, which helped heat the house on those cold winters, not to mention the wood stove in the cabin.
Vernon served on the Ford Township Board as a Supervisor/Chairman for 10 years, and volunteered at the 4-H Club, giving instruction in muzzle loading rifles.
Vernon had country in his blood, and enjoyed spending time with friends, family and many pets he adored through the years. He had a passion for the outdoors, partaking in life's adventures and embracing God's creation. He maintained simplicity with a spirit that runs deep. He maintained a unique sense of humor which is what sets him apart as a most creative one-of-a -kind man who has influenced and made a difference on his life's journey. He stood out with excellence in all his endeavors. Vernon faced challenges with diligence, making sure to "get 'er done" with authority and purpose. He had a strong presence that touched many.
Now is a time to celebrate Vernon's life. Though he's not with us here on earth, he will forever be with us in spirit.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Emma; his sister, Janet Kaping; brother-in-law Herb Kaping; and, brother Gary.
He is survived by his wife, Lyla and children Sherry, Mark (wife Beth), and Kurt; grandchildren: Dakota, Jake (wife McKenzie & their children Remingon, Hadley), Aspen, and Shelby. Also, his sister Betty (husband Harry Polchow), his brother Gerald (wife Sharon), his sister-in-law Norma, as well as other nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral Service, Saturday, November 03, 2018, 11:00 AM; Zion Lutheran Church, Mora.