May 17thVernon Reierson

Vernon Reierson of Holt, MN, age 80 died Wednesday May 15, 2013 at his residence in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 20, 2013 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Del Moen officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Ecklund-Holmstrom American Legion Post #117 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2793. Burial will be held at the Holt Cemetery, Holt, MN at 4:30 PM on Tuesday May 21, 2013.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM with a 2:30 PM prayer service on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Monday at the funeral home.

Vernon Ole Reierson was born on January 24, 1933 in Excel Township, Marshall County, MN the son of Oscar A. and Clara J. (Ness) Reierson. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith in Holt, MN. He attended Holt Elementary School and graduated from Newfolden High School in 1952.

Vernon enlisted in the infantry with the United States Army in March of 1953. He served for a total of 23 years at a number of U.S. bases; Ft. Carson, Ft. Lee, Ft. Leonard Wood, Ft. Riley, and Ft. Lewis-McChord. In addition, he served one tour of duty in Korea, two in Vietnam and three in Germany. At one point, Vernon served as the personal chef of the base commander in Ft. Carson. When he retired in February of 1976, Vernon was the top enlisted man at the Quartermaster School in Ft. Lee, VA. He earned two bronze stars, a Purple Heart, and various commendation medals.

On June 11, 1955, Vernon was united in marriage to Peggy McAdam at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN. They made their home in Thief River Falls and to this union four children were born, Bruce, Clint, Vance and Dean. Vernon was Scout Master in Ft. Carson, Ft. Leonard Wood and Ft. Lee.

After retiring from the military, Vernon managed the American Legion Post #444 in Middle River, MN from 1976-1983. He then went to school for carpentry at Northland Community College in Thief River Falls. Vernon then practiced carpentry for a couple of years before his employment at Marvin Windows in Warroad where he retired. He was active at the American Legion Post #0371 in Roosevelt, MN and then went on to manage the VFW Post #2793 in Thief River Falls before finally retiring.

Vernon enjoyed the culinary arts, painting, drawing, ice carving, cake decorating, and hunting. Vernon was a member of the Nazareth Lutheran Church in Holt, MN, the Ecklund-Holmstrom American Legion Post #117 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2793. He served as the District Commander with the VFW. Vernon’s proud involvement in the veteran’s organizations opened up the door to serve the community in many other ways.

Survivors include four children, Bruce (Barbara) Reierson of Delaware, OH, Clint (Cindy) Reierson of Hopewell, VA, Vance (Sheri New) Reierson of Port Orange, FL; and Dean (Kerstin) Reierson of Roosevelt, MN; grandchildren, Laura (Ben) Moore, John Reierson, Matthew (Michelle) Reierson, Joey Reierson, Leyna Reierson, Ronan Reierson, and Chay Reierson; great-grandchildren, Stanley Moore and Layla Reierson; brother, Clifford (Jeanette) Reierson of Holt, MN; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Peggy on April 24, 2013 and his parents.

Funeral notice provided by Johnson Funeral Service of Thief River Falls, MN