Obituary: Vernon Anderson

Vernon Anderson

Vernon Roy Anderson, age 87, passed away with his wife by his side on May 16,2023, from cancer.

Vernon was born on January 14, 1936, in Pendleton, Oregon. He was the youngest of two sons born to Roy and Vivian Anderson.

Vern attended grade school at Eastman #3 country school and graduated from Cooperstown High School in 1954. Vernon served his country through the Armed Forces from 1955 to 1957, primarily stationed in Ft. Richardson, Alaska. After his honorable discharge, Vern enrolled in Valley City State University to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Math and Science.

It was on a blind date that he met the love of his life, LaVonne Lois Rumer, whom he later married on June 12, 1959, in Wimbledon, N.D. Vernon graduated from college in 1961 and moved his family to Lehr, N.D., where he taught math and science. Their daughter, Jill Marie, was born in 1961, followed by another daughter, Amy Beth, born in 1962.

In 1963, the family moved to the farm near Courtenay, N.D., and Vern began farming. Their son, Garth Christopher, was born in 1964 and the family was complete. Vernon and LaVonne raised spring wheat and sunflowers near the Courtenay area until his retirement in 1987.

Vernon served on the school board, the elevator board and the cemetery board. He also enjoyed volunteering and served as a mentor in the youth mentorship program, as a boat guide at the YMCA fishing camp and as a deliverer of meals on wheels. He was a member of Sertoma and the Gideons.

Vernon and LaVonne moved to Jamestown in 1994 and enjoyed retirement. Vern kept busy with projects at his shop, where he became an excellent carpenter. Vern was known to see a piece of furniture and make it, adapting it to his own style and expertise.

Vern and LaVonne spent eleven winters in Branson, Missouri, where Vern enjoyed fly fishing. Vernon loved to hunt and fish and LaVonne joined him on many of his outings. Vern also loved the company of his coffee-buddies, his church family and his good friends.

Grandpa Vernon was known for his kindness, his wit, and his wisdom. He was respected by all his family. Primarily, Vern loved his wife, his family, and his Lord. He will be missed by his three children, Jill Anderson of New York, N.Y., Amy Twedt, (Roger), of Fergus Falls, Minn., and Garth Anderson, (Laura), of Duluth, Minn. Vern leaves a legacy through twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, Roy and Vivian Anderson and his brother, Alfred Anderson.

Visitation will on Monday, May 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Victory Lutheran Brethren Church, Jamestown.

The prayer service will be at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, May 22 at Victory Lutheran Brethren Church, Jamestown with Pastor Shawn Bowman officiating. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Jamestown.

Arrangements are in the care of Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown.