Vernon Enger

Vernon Enger, age 86, of St. James, died on Friday, August 19, 2011, at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Minneapolis. Vernon Charles Enger, farmer, veteran, storyteller, prankster, fisherman, hunter, conservationist, woodworker, and beloved family man and friend. At the age of 86, but with the spirit of a younger man, Vernon passed on at the VA Medical Center, Minneapolis, on August 19, just two days after receiving a diagnosis of cancer. Vernon was born on March 28, 1925, to Arthur and Elvera (Nyberg) Enger in Pipestone, Minnesota. He attended school in Round Lake, Worthington, and St. James and later attended G. I. Agricultural School. Vernon served in the U.S. Army during WWII from 1944 and 1945 in the Pacific Theatre. Vernon and Arlene (Durheim) were married on March 22, 1947, making their home in Truman and later in St. James, where they farmed until 1990. Vernon loved crop and livestock farming and continued helping other farmers in his retirement. Vernon served for 12 years on the Watonwan County ASCS Committee. Vernon and Arlene enjoyed many winters as 'snowbirds' in Florence, Arizona. In recent years, he traveled with his dear friend and companion Devy Lindquist. Vernon was known for his great sense of humor that entertained family and friends with his war stories and jokes. His favorite settings were the coffee shop, pool hall, card table, campfire, deer stand, fishing boat, and happy hours. All who knew Vernon will remember him as a generous man who didn't fail to lend a hand to his neighbor or to the outdoor world that he loved. His family will be forever grateful to him for taking time for fishing and hunting trips. Vernon was a member of East Sveadahl Lutheran Church, where he was baptized, confirmed, and married. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 1914 in St. James where he served on the club board, honor guard for 35 years, and as commander. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, New Ulm, and American Legion Post 33, St. James, and also retained a membership with the MN Deer Hunters Association. Vernon was honored with both the Farmer Sportsman of the Year and the WCCO Good Neighbor Award. Vernon is survived by so many who thought the world of him: his daughter Joni (Ev) Wright of Cottage Grove and sons Richard (Sue) Enger of St. James, and Wayne (Terri) Enger of Perham; grandchildren Julie Wright, Jill (Tony) Redmond, Jenika (Lee) Doberstein, Paul (Debbie) Enger, Adam (Holly) Enger, Aaron Enger, and Ryan Enger; great-grandchildren Haley, Jack, Kate, Brandi, Nicholas, Taylor, Belle, and Regan; sister Beverly (Donald) Geisler, special companion Devy Lindquist, and many other family members and friends who were fans of Vernon. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, wife Arlene in 2004, grandson Matthew Enger, great-grandson Isaac Trudeau, and daughter-in-law Patricia Enger. In memory of a great guy who left an unforgettable legacy, who taught us how to enjoy life, and who will be terribly missed. Pallbearers: Julie Wright, Jill Redmond, Jenika Doberstein, Paul Enger, Adam Enger, Aaron Enger, and Ryan Enger Officiate: Pastor David Webster and Pastor Intern Julie Wright Soloists: Julie Wright and Tony Redmond Reader: Aaron Enger Eulogy and Thank You: Wayne Enger