Vernon "Vern" Kortleever

Vernon Nelvin Kortleever was born on May 7, 1937 to John and Myrtle (Uilk) Kortleever in Leota, Minnesota. While growing up, Vern was one of 10 children. He attended the Leota Country School until the 8th grade, later obtaining his high school diploma. On July 6, 1960, when Vern was 23 years old, he was drafted into the United States Army where he proudly served until he was honorably discharged on July 5, 1962. His years spent in the Army were filled with many memories that he cherished dearly for the rest of his life. He worked diligently during his time in the Army, working his way through the ranks until he was in the special troops service company. He received a Letter of Appreciation, a Good Conduct Medal and was an expert with the .45 and an excellent marksman. Vern was united in marriage to Alice Nelson on November 30, 1963, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick, Minnesota. The couple later divorced. After the Army, Vern used his trucking knowledge from serving to start a hay hauling business, which transitioned into Kortleever Digging. Vern continued to work as much as he could until his body wouldn’t allow him anymore. Even in his retirement, customers sought out his expertise and craftsmanship.

Anywhere Vern went, he was able to make new friends. He was a friendly, familiar face to many – he was always willing to have company and visit for hours talking about life. Vern lived in the moment, soaking in each and every day. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick, Minnesota and was also a member of the Hardwick American Legion Post 478. Vern loved to spend time in his garden, he had a green thumb and his yard was full of apple trees and plum trees. He created a wildlife sanctuary at his place; he spent endless hours perched on his deck enjoying the birds and deer that frequented his yard. He loved mowing and created his own golf course. One of his favorite places to be was in his recliner, looking out onto the blue mounds and his personal lakes. Vern was able to be in his home up until his last hours of his life surrounded by the care and support of his loving family and his very special friend, Glendy. Vern passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Society in Pipestone, Minnesota, at the age of 88 years, six months and 19 days. He was ready to tend to heaven’s eternal garden and to meet his Jesus and Gee Gee.

Vern is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Julie (Tim Haugen) Pater of Leota, Minnesota and Jayme (David) Palmer of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; four grandchildren, Jessica (Scott) Knorr, Chris (Melissa) Pater, Ashley (Adam) Curtis and Alyssa (Seth) Olson; nine great-grandchildren, Linkon Knorr, Mariah Knorr, Sage Knorr, Madison Pater, Elliot Pater, Isabella Olson, Matthew Olson, Dakota Olson and James Olson. Vern was preceded in death by his parents, John and Myrtle Kortleever; two infant sons, Tommy and Timmy Kortleever; siblings, Wilbur (Bud) Kortleever, Lavonne Schmidt, Lori Kindt, Carol Wyffles, Merlin Kortleever, Harold Kortleever, Elmer Kortleever, Orland Kortleever and Barbara Lape; and his beloved dog, Gee Gee.