Vernon Werner

VERNON CARL WERNER was born to Carl G. and Clara (Tolzmann) Werner on July 31, 1929 on a farm in Sweet Township of Pipestone County, Minnesota where he was raised and attended country school in District #3. He received his college education on the farm. Upon completion of his education, he helped on the family farm. In 1951, Vernon moved with his parents and his brother, Marvin, to a farm west of Hatfield, Minnesota. Then, on October 18, 1951, he entered the United States Army and served in Korea for two years as a corporal in charge of supplies. A certificate was awarded to Vernon as a testimonial of honest and faithful service as a signal supply clerk. Following his honorable discharge on October 22, 1953, he returned to Hatfield and helped on the farm. When his parents retired, he continued the family farm and cared for his parents and Marvin. Vernon farmed with Marvin for many years. On April 17, 1977, he was united in marriage to Violet Calkins at the First United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Following their marriage, the couple returned to the family farm until 1980, when they sold the farm and moved in to Pipestone, Minnesota. Vernon worked as a carrier for the Argus Leader, being named carrier of the year in 1999, worked as a school crossing guard, and cleaned at the JCPenney Store. He also worked for several farmers in the area; he was a faithful farmer. Vernon died peacefully, with his beloved Violet by his side, on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at the age of 90 years, three months, and 12 days.

Vernon was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone where he was baptized on September 8, 1929 and confirmed on December 30, 1956. After his marriage to Violet, he became a member of Peace United Methodist Church in Pipestone where he sang in the Adult Choir and the Horizon Choir. He also served in other capacities at the church, including: usher and greeter. Vernon often visited the residents of the Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone, receiving his 11 year certificate in 2007. He also volunteered at the Ashton Care Center and visited other church shut-ins; he was a faithful caregiver. He loved to raise and care for quarter horses and other livestock and poultry. Vernon and Violet enjoyed a trip with a chestnut mare and cart in the wagon train to Prairie Village, Madison, South Dakota, participating in the parade on Saturday and Sunday. He also liked to play cards and dominoes. Vernon had perfect attendance at Peace United Methodist Church on Sunday morning since January 1, 1996. Vernon and Violet also sang in the Angel Choir with the residents in the Light House.

He is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Violet of Pipestone; numerous nieces and nephews; and other friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Marvin, who died in 2000 and Donald who died in 2017.