Vernon Lee Engel was born December 27, 1928, in Woodland Township, Waverly, Minnesota the son of Louis and Alma (Schendel) Engel. A lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church, Howard Lake he was baptized on January 18, 1929 by Reverend C.G. Seltz and confirmed in his faith on March 29, 1942 by Reverend Eugene Seltz.
Growing up on the family farm rural Howard Lake, he farmed with his parents. For 30 years he worked on road construction and drove gravel trucks. His hobbies included playing basketball and baseball in his younger years and now enjoyed watching sports. Fishing was a favorite pastime as well as playing cards with family and friends.
On December 3, 2011, while a resident at the Lake Ridge Care Center, Buffalo, Vernon was called to his eternal rest having reached the age of 82 years, 11 months and 6 days.
He was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Alma Engel; niece Mary (Engel) Forsythe; nephew Mark Erickson and great-nephew Daniel Greeley.
Vernon is survived by his brother Elwood “Woody” (Marvel) Engel; sisters Evelyn (Dean) Wallentine and Jean Wikstrom; nieces; nephews; great-nieces; great-nephews; and a host of relatives and friends.
A Celebration of life took place Friday, December 9, 2011 at St. James Lutheran Church in Howard Lake. Officiating was Reverend Michael Nirva and Reverend Martin Schoenfeld. Music by Marge Stueven and Luke Dahl.
Interment was at the Howard Lake Cemetery. Memorial preferred to St. James Lutheran Church or American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home of Howard Lake.