Vernon was born June 3, 1948 in Caledonia, Minnesota to John and Amanda (Schroeder) Olson. He graduated from the Mabel High School in 1966 then enlisted in the United States Army where he was a combat medic and served one tour in Vietnam. After his discharge in 1970 he attended the Winona State University. He worked in Winona and then for General Business Services in Minneapolis. After retiring he moved to Caledonia and then to Spring Grove. He was a member of the Mabel First Lutheran Church where he served on the church council. He was also a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars where he was a past Commander and the District Commander Elect. Vernon enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and his nieces and nephews.
Vernon passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at the Tomah VA Medical Center in Tomah, Wisconsin at the age of 60.
Vernon is survived by his mother Amanda of Spring Grove; two sisters Viette (Roger) Peterson and Doris (Ardell) Peterson both of Spring Grove; a brother Darrell (Sherry) Olson of Postville, Iowa; two nephews, one niece, three step-nieces, three great nieces, and one great nephew. He was preceded in death by his father John; a great nephew; and a step-nephew.
Funeral services will be 2 PM Monday, April 27, 2009 at the Mabel First Lutheran Church in Mabel with Rev. Gail Klavetter officiating. Burial will be in the Mabel Lutheran Cemetery with military rites by the Mabel American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Visitation will be 4 – 7 PM Sunday, April 26th at the Mengis Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church. |