Vernon Useldinger
June 20, 1926 ~ June 24, 2019
Vernon “Vern” Useldinger, 93, Fargo, ND, died, Monday, June, 24, 2019 at the Veteran’s Medical Center in Fargo.
Vern is the son of Gerhart and Emma (Beumel) Useldinger, who farmed NE of Euclid, MN. In 1935 his family moved to Grafton, ND. In 1940, in the 8th grade, he won the state marble championship competition, held at Grand Forks. Elected senior class president, he graduated from Grafton High School in 1944.
Vern enlisted in the Navy, entering active duty after graduation. He served on an aircraft carrier at the Battle of Okinawa, in the invasion of Borneo, and in Japanese waters when WWII ended. Called back to duty in 1950 during the Korean War, he served on an aviation supply ship operating along Korean coastal areas in 1951.
Vern married Barbara Ann Lorz on June 26, 1954, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo. They were faithful members of Holy Spirit Catholic Church since 1959. Throughout their 62 years of happy marriage, they cherished family time with their children and grandchildren. Barb passed away on Nov. 23, 2016.
Upon graduation from Interstate Business College in 1948, Vern began a 43-year career on the North Dakota American Legion State Headquarters staff, serving the latter 24 years as Department Adjutant prior to his retirement in 1991. In appreciation for his devoted service to the North Dakota American Legion, Vern was elected Honorary Past Department Commander at the Legion’s 1981 Department Convention. He served two years (1976-1978) as president of the North Dakota Veterans Coordinating Council. In 1972, Fargo’s American Legion Gilbert C. Grafton Post #2 awarded Vern an honorary life membership. Vern was also a member of the AMVets, DAV, VFW and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed league and tournament bowling, and was the 1955-56 president of the Fargo-Moorhead Bowling Association. He also played catcher in fast-pitch softball competition.
Vern is survived by his three children; Brenda (Keith) Kerbaugh, Fargo, Karen (Craig) Bakken, Pelican Rapids, MN, and Thomas Useldinger, Omaha, NE; grandchildren, Joshua Kerbaugh, Carrington, ND, Jessica (Chris) Campbell, Sartell, MN, Melissa and Emily Bakken, both of Fargo; great-granddaughters, Taylor and Kylah Corcoran, Sartell, MN; sister Joyce Rivinius, Cedar Rapids, IA; brother Marvin Leach, Fargo; brother-in-law Gerald Lorz, Fargo. Vern was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; parents; sister, Shirley Shepard; and infant daughter, Lori Jane.
Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 PM Sunday, June 30, 2019, with a prayer service at 4:00 PM at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo.
A memorial will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, July, 1, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM.
Rest In Peace number one legionnaire. What a record guiding the legion all those years
to the family of vern,
many years ago as i worked on the moll side of the useldinger family history, vern was of such great help to me. he was a joy to work with and a well versed man with his family history. i shall always cherish our special times working together on history. our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
matt & sharon wolf
Vern was a loving man and friend. He raised a wonderful family. I’m blessed to have known him.
Goodbye to my uncle Vern, what an honorable person. Thanks for being such a good big brother to my dad.
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Vern was an amazing man and father to a beautiful family. We celebrate his life and being reunited with his wife Barb. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Blessed to have had such a amazing Uncle. I will always remember his kindness and smile. My heart is heavy for his loving family, may you carry his torch and pass it on to others. He was a shining star, honorable and will never be forgotten.
Uncle Vernon was a caring and loving man. He loved his family and friends. Brenda, Karen and Tom, you were lucky to have had him for your father. May he rest in peace.
Tom and family, so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers coming from Phoenix.
Tom,
My sincerest sympathies to you and your family at this difficult time. Your father sounds like an amazing guy; what a beautiful life he lived.
So much love & light to you, my friend❤️
Tania
Vernon was a good-natured person and a true patriot.who has joined his wife, Barb, in Heaven. Our condolences to his children and grandchildren.
Andy & Judy Beumel (son & daughter-in-law of Gregory “Dix” Beumel–Vernon’s half brother.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, his family and friends, as you celebrate Vern’s special life. Sandy (Iverson) was Vern’s secretary at the State Headquarters during the 1961 – ’66 time frame, following which she became a full-time mom. She always said Vern was the best boss/friend that she could have had! After moving from Fargo, we continued to keep in contact with Vern & Barb at Christmas time and occasional phone calls. May you all treasure your fond memories of both such fine parents/grandparents/friends.
Years ago as a sales director at the Holiday Inn in Jamestown, I met with Vern and the American Legion members to entice them to have their convention with us. Vern was gracious when during the lunch meeting I spilled an entire carafe of water on his lap. We hosted the convention anyway. I appreciated his humor. It was a pleasure working with him and his group. Rest in peace Vern.
I have so many wonderful memories of Vern through my dad’s (Albert Olenberger) involvement with the American Legion. I remember him as such a kind and gentle man. Even though I was in high school during my dad’s State Commander year, my times with Vern and Barb were always a highlight for me. He was such an advocate for the American Legion and its members. His presence will be missed by those in the American Legion family and I know there will be a huge hole left in the hearts of his family and friends. I hope your memories will carry you through the difficult times. I was blessed to have known him so many years ago.
I loved them & will miss both Vern and Barb. I grew up visiting their home in Fargo, playing with their 2 daughters and visiting with them out & about as an adult. So proud of Vern’s service to our nation, community & friends. My parents were close too as friends & had their bowling in common. I also think they helped my parents with the adoption of my twin sister & me back in the 1958 time frame. They were character witnesses, etc. And in July 2016, They were so gracious to attend my wedding vow ceremony to Bob and reception which I was so grateful to see them at. I also saw Barb often at the car auctions in West Fargo & had fun visits there with her. Both Vern & Barb were special people to our family, are loved & missed. Love, support, hugs & prayers to the family in this time of loss. Deb Fankhanel Lohse
Vern and Barb and their children lived next door to our family for 50 plus years. They were the greatest neighbors any family could hope for. Always concerned with our family and what was going on with us.
Whenever I returned from Arizona to visit my family Vern and Barb would be sure to stop and greet us. I remember many times the Vern and my dad along with the neighbor men would play pinochle on the patio or in the basement. I remember I was invited once to join in and they proved to me I was not in their league. They knew every card I had before it was played. I think it was because of their Navy service. Great memories and I believe the friends we know on this journey of life are one of God’s best gifts to us all. My prayers are for comfort for the Useldinger family. You and your parents will always be remembered.
Dear Brenda, Karen, Tom, and family… I just learned this evening (7-4), of Vern’s passing. I am so very sorry for the tremendous depth of sadness you all doubtlessly feel at this time. I had the privilege of growing up right next door to the Useldingers my entire pre-college life, and yes, I feel I was very privileged. There exists no nicer family on this planet than the Useldingers. I remember: Vern, topless, hairy, mowing the lawn with his manual lawn mower; a kind, sweet man of great integrity, patriotism, and love; Barb was perhaps the sweetest lady I ever met- I thought she was virtually incapable of ever getting angry; Karen had that sweet smile she got from her mother- I remember her as virtually always smiling; Brenda was the beauty that I had a serious crush on for 20 years (no kidding). Living next to the Useldingers was not good, it was great. We were truly blessed. My heart aches as if I lost a close family member. I will pray for your strength. Take solace in the fact that Barb and Vern are together now- in a much better place. May God bless you all, and your families.
RIP from Casselton legion post 25
RIP from post 15