Vernon Alvin Norman

Obituary Norman, Vernon “Vern” A. Vernon was born September 20, 1931 in Adrian, MN to Henry and Minnie (Madison) Norman. He attended schools in Adrian, Lismore and graduated from Worthington High in 1951. He worked as a farmhand before joining the U.S. Air Force and serving in Okinawa during the Korean War. After the service, he attended Northwestern Electronics Institute, preparing him for a life of work in electronics. In 1956, he married Bette Kelcher and they made their home in St. Paul, MN for a year. They then purchased their house in Bloomington, MN and raised their 4 children. During those years, Vern worked on radio and radar equipment for over 20 years as a civilian and a reserve for the Air Force. He then spent several years working in inspection for the Federal Government, overseeing the equipment purchased from civilian companies. After that, he “got a real job” (as he would tell everyone) as an inspector for a private company. He was able to remain in his home until the very end, just as he had wanted. When he retired, Vern spent his time repairing watches for the Sisters at St. Joseph’s Convent in NY, where his oldest granddaughter, Sister Mary Monica, resides. He had a book on watch repair and was self-taught. He also remodeled the house, making it accessible for Bette’s scooter when she could no longer walk. This allowed them to stay in their house. He was always puttering around on one project or another, rebuilding snow-blowers or lawn mowers, small engines of all sorts. The whole neighborhood knew if Vern threw something out there was no fixing it. When anyone mentioned they had a project or problem they were working on, Vern immediately volunteered to help, often doing the job himself. He could do electrical, plumbing, auto repair, carpentry or just about anything he put his mind to. He’d spend hours planning a project, and he wouldn’t rest until he was satisfied with the plans. After 53 years together, Bette passed away. Vern then met Shirley Bogardus at grief counselling, she had also lost her spouse, Bill, of 53 years. They spent almost every day together after that. They enjoyed eating meals, watching game shows or movies, attending church, praying the rosary and going to thrift stores and shopping. Vern will be greatly missed by his children: Bob (Bin) of Bloomington, MN, Becky Erickson of Strafford, MO, Bill (Mona Olson) of Columbia Heights, MN, and Barb (Joe) Mueller of Cottage Grove, MN. He will also be missed by his sister, Deanna (Guy) Wilson, and his beloved girlfriend and companion, Shirley Bogardus. He is also survived by his 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Many nieces and nephew and scores of friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bette; his father, Henry, and his mother, Minnie Earl, his brothers, Henry and Bill, his sisters, Opal and Bernus, and two infant siblings. Reviewal will be Thursday, July 5th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Washburn McReavy Funeral Home, 2300 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, MN. Requiem Mass will be offered Friday, July 6th at 10:00 am at St. Anne’s Church, 2445 County Rd. E., White Bear Lake, MN. Burial will then be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with a luncheon to follow, details to be announced later. From the Church: 'Out of respect for our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and the family please dress modestly. Head-coverings are available at the Chapel for women.' Memorials received will be divided to St. Joseph’s Convent, Muscular Dystrophy Association and Camp Courage.

Tributes

Vernon Alvin Norman

September 20, 1931 - June 29, 2018

Tributes

Vernon Alvin Norman

September 20, 1931 - June 29, 2018

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