Vernon Holland

Vernon O. Holland, 81, Fargo, North Dakota, formerly Barnesville, died Monday, March 31, 2003, at Merit Care, Fargo. Vernon, son of Harry Oliver and Mathilda (Austin) Holland, was born June 26, 1921, in Clay County, Minnesota where he attended school and grew to manhood. Vernon married Idella Meyer on August 9, 1939 in Moorhead, Minnesota. They made their home in Hampton, Iowa. He enlisted in the United States Army during World War II, serving in the Japanese Theater leaving a wife and two children at home. Upon receiving an honorable discharge in 1945, Vernon moved with his family to rural Barnesville, Minnesota where he farmed and began working in the interstate trucking business. In 1954, they moved into Barnesville. They moved to Fargo in 1983. Vernon and Idella traveled extensively during his last few years as an interstate trucker and also during his years of retirement. They had many memorable trips traveling to visit brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, and their children in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Vernon?s visits and his stories were looked forward to and also endeared him to many family members. Vernon cared for his wife Idella who died January 7, 1997 after an extended illness. Vernon was a member of the VFW Post 4628 and the American Legion Post 153, both of Barnesville. Vernon enjoyed traveling, visiting with and hearing from family, and cooking. Until the time of his death, Vernon enjoyed cooking for family members or taking them out for meals. He was a creative cook, never just using a recipe but preferring to adapt and make changes. He is survived by seven sons, Dennis (Jeanette), West Fargo, ND; James (Jean), Galena, KS; Robert (Jeri Dawn Bernu), Moorhead; Roger (Layne Vollmer), Moorhead; Steven (Ruth), Barnesville; Gregory (Kim Donges), Brooklyn Park, MN; Rodney (Karla),Chippewa Falls, WI; four daughters, Dianne (Bernard) Cihak, Barnesville, MN; Sharon (Robert)Hovland, Rothsay, MN; Sandra (Fred Siro) Randklev, Rosemount, MN; Lori (Troy Naasz)Holland, Moorhead, MN; two brothers, Leonard and Milton, Barnesville, MN; three sisters, Melva Poitras, Moorhead, MN; Eula Moll, Moorhead, MN; Joy(Lael)Rheault, Andover, MN; 40 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents Harry O. and Mathilda; his wife Idella; two sons Gary, Jeffrey; one son-in-law, Terry Randklev; one granddaughter Daria Cihak; five brothers Ray, Dale, Harry, Glen, Gail; six sisters Vivian Hook, Phyllis Denton, Erma Starrett, Zela Rae, Zola Bergseid, and "Little Angel". There will be a Memorial service Friday, April 4, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. in the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Moorhead, with the Rev. Shawnthea Monroe-Mueller officiating. Military Honors by the VFW Post 4628 of Barnesville. Visitation is Thursday, April 3, 2003 from 4 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. in Boulger Funeral Home. Interment is in Rosemound Cemetery, Barnesville, MN. Arrangements by Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, ND