Vernon Franklin Monette

Vernon Monette was born in Alameda, California in 1943 to parents Emma and Frank Monette. When Vernon was still a baby, his parents moved the family to Belcourt, North Dakota. Growing up, Vernon was known to have a mischievous, playful sense of humor. He eventually attended boarding school at Marty Mission in South Dakota for his middle school years. He graduated high school at Belcourt. One week after graduation, Vernon decided to go to Seattle, Washington with his uncle JJ Monette, and started a job with Boeing Aircraft. After some time, he decided to return home to Belcourt, North Dakota, and then, on to South Dakota, where he become a barber. He worked as a barber for a few years in Kadoka, South Dakota, cutting hair for many farmers. He spent his Saturday nights, enjoying what Rapid City, South Dakota had to offer. Once again, he made his way home to Belcourt, North Dakota, where he met the love of his life, Karen Davis. They fell deeply in love, and after dating for a year or two, decided to move to Minneapolis, and get married. In 1966, they had their first child together named Charles. Not long after that, they had their second child, Mitchell. After living in Minneapolis for a few years, they decided to buy a home in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. It was their dream come true. Not long after Mitch was born, Vernon went to trade school and became a bricklayer in 1969. He became a proud Union member of the Local #1. Then, in 1978, along came their daughter, and Daddy's girl, Dixie. In 1979, Vernon ventured off on his own, starting his own masonry business. He went on to make an excellent name for himself throughout the Twin Cities, installing beautifully constructed brick and stone veneers, along with extravagant fireplaces on new homes. In 1985, he began training his two sons to become allied craftsman. He was a patient and gentle teacher. In his spare time, he loved watching his Minnesota Twins and Vikings play. Win or lose, he was a devoted fan. He also had a lot of fun watching college basketball with the March Madness and predicted his brackets. This gave him so much joy. He was pleasure to be around. He acquired the nickname, "the one liner" because, no matter what situation he was in, he always had a quick joke to make everyone laugh. He was such a generous person, not thinking twice about donating his time in helping build additions and bell towers at the Church of the Epiphany in Coon Rapids. Vernon eventually sold his home, and purchased a new one in Coon Rapids, right across the Blvd from Epiphany Church. There, he discovered a newfound love for gardening and landscaping. He built a new addition onto his home, and in no time at all, had himself a beautiful sanctuary in his backyard. He often enjoyed his beautiful grandchildren coming to visit, and watching them play in his backyard. He adored each and every one of his grandchildren so much. Vernon was a bit like an encyclopedia. Brilliant. He read newspapers night and day. Listened to the news and talk radio. If anyone had a question about something, Vern was the go-to guy. He was truly amazing. He took great pride in his family, and they knew it. He worked hard every day that he could to take great care of them. Vernon struggled with COPD for the final 5 to 6 years of his life. He passed away at home Dec 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. Survived by his wife of 59 years Karen, children Charles (Crystal), Mitchell, Dixie (Nicholas) Kovalenko, Kerri Davis, grandchildren Chaz (Stephanie), Miah, Rachel, Josh, Noah, Bella, and Charlie Jr, Angelique (Debi), and Deena, great grandchildren Zahdea, Zamari, Dustee, Mhadison, and Chaz Jr "CJ", siblings Carol Davis, Janice (Allen) Schlenvogt, and Theresa (Ronnie) Poitra, sisters-in-law Phyllis (Phillip) Delorme, Carla (Raphael) Decoteau, and Marla Davis, brother-in-law Thomas Davis, nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM, Mon, Dec 29, with visitation one hour prior at the Church of the Epiphany, 11001 Hanson Blvd NW, Coon Rapids. Private interment. Dad, you will be forever missed. We love you forever.

Tributes

Vernon Franklin Monette

November 24, 1943 - December 15, 2025

Tributes

Vernon Franklin Monette

November 24, 1943 - December 15, 2025

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