Vernard 'Vern' Hooge

Vernard John Hooge was born at the Windom Hospital on October 22, 1929. He was the son of Abraham and Helen (Duerksen) Hooge. He grew up on a farm in Dale Township and graduated from Mt. Lake High School. His life was filled with family, friends, church, singing, hard work and play. Vern loved to sing. He was a member of the Carson Male Chorus and a mixed octet. He met the love of his life, Lydia Gerdes singing in this octet. They were married at the Truman Baptist Church on March 22, 1951. By 1958 their family had grown to 3 sons and 1 daughter. Life's opportunities found Vern doing everything from farming to Bible Camps, to highway flagman, to driving a van for people with a need. Vern loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He would take time to teach them, love them and play with them but more importantly he prayed daily for the children. In his later years Vern lovingly, tenderly and compassionately took care of Lydia and their home. After Lydia passed away Vern loved to share his home and a simple meal with friends family. He loved to talk and a stranger was just a friend he hadn't met yet. When his health began to limit his activities he would still ask, "How can I help?" He always had a ready smile, a firm handshake and a story to tell. Throughout his life Vern's faith was tested many times but he did not fail. He touched many lives and yet he was the one who felt blessed. Vern is survived by his children; Phil (Pat) Hooge of Worthington, MN, Duane (Randy Kay) Hooge of Windom, MN, VerLynn (Bill) Bruemmer of Virginia, MN, Ron Hooge of Lake City, MN; 18 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, 2 brother's; Melvin (Ethel) Hooge of Mt. Lake, MN and David (Alice) Hooge of Mankato, MN. Vern is preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers; Ed and his twin brother; Will, 2 grandsons; Matthew Bruemmer and Daniel Hooge. First Visitation 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Tuesday, August 5, 2014 Sturm Funeral Home, Mountain Lake Chapel 420 - 10th St. N. Mtn. Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159 Second Visitation 9:00 am - 10:00 am Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Community Bible Church-Mt Lake 500 Klein St. Mountain Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159 Service Information 10:00 am Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Community Bible Church-Mt Lake 500 Klein St. Mountain Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159