Vernon “Vern” Moldenhauer

Velva

Vernon “Vern” Moldenhauer, 86, Velva, went to his heavenly home on December 8, 2024. He died from a broken heart after losing his wife and the love of his life on November 26, 2024.

Vernon Albert Moldenhauer was born on April 5, 1938, the son of Edward and Hertha (Wenzel) Moldenhauer in Glenburn, ND. Vern was baptized at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, near Upham, on May 18, 1938. He attended Little Deep Township Country School until the 8th grade and then

worked for area farmers for the next three years.

Vern went to work as a construction worker at the Air Force Base in 1956 and in 1957 he changed gears, building telephone and power lines throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.

In 1962, Vern began his career as a lineman with Verendrye Electric Cooperative in Velva. He greatly enjoyed his time at the cooperative and retired from there in 2001.

On June 16, 1968, Vern was united in marriage to Karen Lauckner at the Zion Lutheran Church in Kramer, ND. They made their home in rural Velva from then on where they raised their three children, Julie, James, and Kristie.

Vern was one that loved to visit and meet new people and did not shy away from getting involved in community organizations and events. He served an active role on the Church council at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for over 50 years and held board positions with the Dakota Roughrider Saddle Club, Aid Association for Lutherans, square dancing club and the Velva Senior Citizen’s Center. He also competed in a bowling league for over 45 years in Velva and Minot.

After retiring from Verendrye Electric Cooperative in 2001, he felt he could do more with his retirement time, so he went to work for area farmers. Then in 2003, he was offered a position with North Prairie Rural Water, a position he held for 16 years.

Vern had a passion and true talent when it came to baking cookies and pies. His chocolate chip cookies were simply the best along with his strawberry-rhubarb pies and Dutch apple pies. He would spend time flipping through cookbooks and various magazines to find new recipes. He also loved to garden and took great pride in his homegrown vegetables and pickle making every year.

Vern found great joy in taking care of various farm animals over the years, especially ones that waited for him to give treats and daily attention to.

Vern loved his family, hosting traditional holiday meals, attending Velva football games, volunteering at the Norsk Hostfest, getting together for breakfast at the Velva Golf Course and playing pinochle at the Velva Senior Citizen’s Center.

He will be forever remembered by his children, Julie (Jay) Brown, Berthold, ND, James Moldenhauer, Velva, ND, Kristie (Ryan) Hoff, Velva, ND; grandchildren, Kacie Schaefer, Jordyn Schaefer; great-grandchildren, Trevin Mowan, Tallin Mowan, Tillie Mowan, Tenzlie

Mowan; sister, Delores Gessner; brothers Wallace (Donna) Moldenhauer, Howard (Sharon) Moldenhauer; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Karen; his parents; father and mother-in-law, James and Dorothy Lauckner; brother-in-law, Cecil Gessner.

Funeral: Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva.

Interment: Velva Cemetery, Velva, ND.

Visitation: Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Velva.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, December 11, 2024.