Vernon Whaley

Vernon Theodore Whaley was born August 19, 1926, in Hitterdal, MN, to Theodore and Stella (Brenna) Whaley. Vernon was raised in the Hitterdal area where he received his education.

Vernon entered the US Army in December of 1944, and served until November of 1946. He returned to live in Moorhead, MN, following his discharge. Vernon was united in marriage to Bernice Jacob on October 21, 1949, in Moorhead, where they made their home.

Vernon worked as an auto mechanic and carpenter, eventually owning and operating Whaley Construction - specializing in residential and commercial projects.

After he retired from the construction business, Vernon worked as a real estate agent in the Cormorant Lakes area. They lived in Glyndon, MN, until they moved to Big Cormorant Lake. They moved back to Glyndon, and eventually to Moorhead, in 1989.

Vernon enjoyed all of the activities that come with having a lake home. Spending time with family and friends was important to Vernon, too. He was not one to stand still for long, always keeping himself busy on one project or another. After retirement Vernon often helped with harvest on his son-in-law's farm. Vernon was also a lifetime member of the Moorhead VFW, where he enjoyed dancing.

In the presence of his loving family, Vernon died Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at Sanford Health Palliative Care Unit, Fargo, ND, at eighty-four years of age.

Vernon is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Bernice, Moorhead; children, Steven Whaley, Fargo, Debbie (Bob) Kuehl, Dilworth, and Gary Whaley, Fargo; two grandsons, Brian (Laurie) Kuehl, and Kevin Kuehl, both Dilworth; and a sister, Arlis (Victor) Wagner, Moorhead.

In addition to his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Kermit; and a sister, Irene.

Visitation for Vernon will be Sunday, May 15, 2011, from 5 - 7 PM, in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.

His funeral will be Monday, May 16, 2011, at 10:30 AM, in Bethesda Lutheran Church, Moorhead.

Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo.