Vernon G Halverson

Vernon G. Halverson, 92, of Bemidji, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 20, 2019. 

Vernon was born in Walker, MN on May 5, 1927, to Gilbert Halverson and Ula Forrest. Vernon moved around a lot as he grew up and he developed a hunger to learn about engines and diesel mechanics. Vernon served in the Army from 1945 to 1947, serving first in the Army Infantry and then transferring to the Army Air Corps where he was able to take classes in aircraft mechanics.  Vernon married Emma Niermann in 1951 in Morris, MN. Their first home was in Hackensack, later settling in Sauk Centre. Over the next 14 years, Vernon and Emma had seven children.

Vernon held many jobs, doing all things well and became a jack of all trades. He cut trees for a living, moved houses, built silos, worked on golf courses, but most of all was proud of being a self-taught diesel mechanic. He worked on the big trucks and his reputation preceded him.  He also developed an interest in old cars and trucks which he restored and sold, including two 1940 Lincoln Zephyrs and 1950 and 1951 trucks.

Vernon loved the woods and the outdoors which is why, upon retirement, he and Emma moved to Laporte. He looked forward to deer hunting with his sons when they came to visit,  and for the last 5 to 10 years he enjoyed black powder hunting with his son William. He also began a coin collection of Indian Head Pennies and State Quarters. Vernon loved kids and was most proud of his children and grandchildren which led to a family get-together as often as they could.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, brother Harold and sister Alice.  He and his sense of humor will be greatly missed by his wife Emma; children Julia (Lawrence) Wallace of Bemidji, MN, Lolita Steinemann of Osakis MN, William (Edwina) of St. Paul MN, Howard (Naomi) of Beaver Creek OH, Gene (Rita) of Conway SC, Vincent (Lori) of Sioux Falls SD, and Kristine Lambertson (Richard Peipus) of Litchfield MN; 16 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at the Community Church of Walker on Friday, October 25 at 1:00pm with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Walker. Arrangements were made by Dennis Funeral Home of Walker.

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