Vernon Anderson

Vernon Kenneth Anderson, 97, of Two Harbors died Sunday, October 17, 2010 at Sunrise Home.

He was born August 13, 1913 to Erick and Anna (Holbeck) Anderson and was a lifelong resident of Two Harbors. He was born and grew up on the family farm on State Road where he attended the one-room schoolhouse, which is still standing, through eighth grade. He was a graduate of Two Harbors High School. On May 25, 1938, he married Alice Omtvedt, also a lifelong resident of Two Harbors and together they raised four children.

Vern was an active member of the United Church where he sang in the choir and was among the first to volunteer whenever there was work to be done. He was also an active volunteer with the Salvation Army for many years, and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was known in his community as "Mr. Texaco" as he operated Vern's Texaco on Seventh Avenue for many years. His generosity, humor, and effusive personality made him a favorite of customers who returned year after year. He loved to hunt and fish and regarded being in the woods as the closest thing to heaven. He was an avid sports fan from the hockey he and his brothers played on the frozen Stewart River near the family farm to the baseball he later played for local teams. He and his three younger brothers formed a quartet and, in their younger years, sang at family gatherings, accompanied by their sister Elsie on the piano. In his 70's, he added his beautiful tenor voice to "The Old Timer's Band", years he regarded as some of the best of his life. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Alice; his parents; sister Elsie; brothers Elmer, Earl, Roy, Walter, and Alden, and great-grandson; Wyatt Thomas Bolen.

He is survived by daughters Judith (Donald) Grody of New York City and Kathryn Anderson of Minneapolis; sons Keith (Kathy) of Wayzata and Tom (Marsha) of Two Harbors; grandchildren Patrick, Eric, Tara, Chris, and Sam; great-grandchildren Zachary Wyatt, Cecily Matilda, and Elsa Catherine; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 2 PM until the 3 PM service on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at the United Church in Two Harbors.