Vern Knodle

vern knodle
Vern passed away on Monday, July 24, 2017 at Halstad Living Center in Halstad, MN, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 77. Vernell Knodle was born on June 28, 1940, the son of George and Alva (Wright) Knodle in rural Cummings, ND. He grew up on the family farm and attended grade school at Belmont Township #5 School. He later attended the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN and graduated from Climax High School. Following his schooling, he worked for various farmers in the area and with his uncle in the construction business. Vern proudly served his country in the Unites States Air National Guard from 1958 until 1966. Vern was united in marriage to Leona “Lee” Wells in March of 1966 and they moved to West Fargo, ND where they started their family. In 1979, Vern and Lee moved to Caledonia, ND where they raised their family until moving into Hillsboro in 1996. He worked for Berg Motor in Fargo as a parts man, and for Butler Machinery in Fargo as a head field mechanic from 1971 until 1979. When they moved to Caledonia he worked and co-owned K & L Excavating and later owned Caledonia Construction until the mid 1990’s. He enjoyed his time at Tharaldson Enterprises in Fargo as a crew foreman until his retirement. Vern loved his work at Traill County in Hillsboro where he drove truck with his friends during retirement. Throughout the years, Vern loved spending his free time with his family, especially his grandchildren who affectionately called him “Papa”. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, taking road trips and visiting with the many friends he made over the years. He always had a story to share and was known as the king of “one liners”. Vern was a walking atlas from all of the work he had done throughout the area and could give directions to anywhere you wanted to go. He was a family man – a man who worked hard to provide the best for his family. Vern is survived by his children – Stephanie Williams of Palm Bay, FL; Robert Knodle of Hillsboro; and Heather (Tanner) Jacobson of Hillsboro; his beloved grandchildren – Cassidy and Kara Williams, and Madison and Mason Jacobson; one brother, Merril (Carol) Knodle of Fargo, ND; his brother-in-law, Pat (Deb) Tendeland of Fargo; and several nephews and a niece. His wife, Lee who passed on July 21, 2017; his grandson, Randall Jacobson; his parents; and his sister, Cheryl Tendeland, preceded Vern in death. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 11 AM Friday, July 28, 2017 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro VISITATION: one hour prior to the service in the church BURIAL: Caledonia Cemetery in Caledonia, ND

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  1. So sorry to hear about Lee and Vern, we all very much enjoyed having Vern around in the summer months at the Highway Department, The only problem is now I will have to buy the Banner to get my news! LOL. We will miss them both.

  2. Your family has my deepest sympathy in the passing of your parents and grandparents! What beautiful people they were and so loved and respected by so many! Blessings to all of you and know that the memory of Lee and Vern will live on with admiration!

  3. Vern is Dons cousin they have always kept a very close contact from childhood , Vern had the family history planted in his head this Don will miss And Lees conversations regarding her work and political views we will miss also. Great couple and fantastic relatives. May the Good Lord Keep their Memories Alive For Ever..

  4. I went to high school with Vernell and I am so sorry to hear of his passing and his wife. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

  5. So sorry to hear about Lee and vernell passing.I think Vern knew everyone in eastern north Dakota and western Minn he had a good memory.

  6. My sympathy to Vern and Lee`s children and family. I knew Vern for many years and had lot of great times together. Always a story and a good joke or two. He and Lee were great people and so sorry you lost them so close together.God bless you all and the great memories you have to carry in your hearts.

  7. To the family of Vern and Lee Knodle, please accept my deepest condolences in your double loss. I hope that God gives you true peace of mind and true hope for the future. In all your grief, please remember that in John 3:16 the Bible says that God loves you and wants to give all of you and Vern and Lee everlasting life. In Revelation 21:1-4 He promises to make a whole new world where pain, sorrow, suffering and death will be done away with. Jesus promises in John 11:24,25 to resurrect the dead during the last day. I hope this helps some. Contact me if you like garrison80225@gmail.com

  8. Our deepest condolences on the loss of Lee and Vern. They were good people and will be remembered with a smile.

  9. Dear Stephanie, Rob, and Heather,
    I am so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. I am Lee’s first cousin and still live in the Weslaco area. I know that your parents loved each other and you all very much. May God bless you and bring you comfort.

  10. Sending my sympathy to the family of both Vern and Lee. They were both happy,fun loving people and such a joy to be around. Sending prayers for comfort to all.


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