Vernis Ziegelmann, 85

Vernis Emil William Ziegelmann Sr., 85, died peacefully on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Vernis was born March 1, 1927 in Parkers Prairie to Rudolph and Ernestine (Fritz) Ziegelmann. He was baptized and confirmed at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Leaf Valley.

Vernis attended District 53 country school and also District 59. He completed eighth grade at District 59. At age 17, Vernis enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. He received his GED through the Navy.

While in the Navy, Vernis served aboard the USS Fresno, a light cruiser. He also served aboard two destroyers, the USS Stribling and the USS Richard E. Kraus. Vernis specialized in radar while he was aboard these ships.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy on October 7, 1949, Vernis enlisted in the United States Army. Vernis was stationed near the city of Pusan in Korea during the Korean War as a radar maintenance tech sergeant with HQ Battery 4054th ASU. On October 30, 1952 he received an honorable discharge from the Army. During his time in the military, Vernis received the World War II Victory Medal, the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars and the United Nations Service Medal.

While Vernis was stationed at Fort Bliss at El Paso, Texas, he met Beatrice Velasquez. The two were united in marriage on March 26, 1950. The couple was blessed with five children. After his discharge from the Army, Vernis worked as an electronics technician. He worked in numerous states during the 1950s.

In 1961, Vernis purchased the Leaf Valley Store. He and his family lived there until 1972 when he sold the store. He and Beatrice moved back to El Paso, where Beatrice passed away in 1973.

Following Beatrice’s death, Vernis returned to Alexandria. He married Barbara Johnson in February 1975 in Sisseton, SD.

Vernis worked as manager at Culligan in Alexandria. He was also manager at cable TV after he left Culligan.

In 1979, Vernis and Barb moved to Newburg, IN where he worked for another cable company. In 1984, Vernis and Barb moved back to Alexandria. He operated a recycling business in Nelson and a can recycling machine in Alexandria.

While in Alexandria, Vernis and Barb were members at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Nelson Men’s Club and the Millerville American Legion. Vernis loved having a good time with his family. He also enjoyed having sweets, chocolates, pie and cake.

Vernis is survived by his children, Vernis Ziegelmann Jr. and wife, Samantha, of Duluth, David Ziegelmann and wife, Debra, of Alexandria, Patricia Wilson and husband, Michael, of Rockport, IN, Cheryl Ziegelmann and fiancé, Cal Houle, of Minneapolis, Victoria Dosland and husband, Robert Ramsett, of Horace, ND, Michael Dosland and wife, Carolyn, of Grafton, WI and Catherine (Dosland) Mara and husband, John, of Burnsville; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Lee Ziegelmann of Colorado Springs, CO; and sister, Dorothy Kluver of Sauk Centre.

Vernis was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Ernestine; his first wife, Beatrice; his second wife, Barbara; daughter, Rita Wilson; grandson, Ritchie Wilson; and brother, Gilbert Ziegelmann.

A funeral service was held Saturday, October 27 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with the Rev. Eric VanScharrel as officiant. Sue Nelson and Dan Olson provided music. Interment followed at Ebenezer Cemetery in Leaf Valley. Casket bearers were Vernis’ grandchildren, Justin Ziegelmann, Adam Ziegelmann, Mark Ziegelmann, Christopher Hale, Bryce Dosland, Elizabeth Kleinke, Jesse Mara and Aurora Mara. Honorary casket bearers included Vernis’ grandchildren, Emma Lee Dosland, Robert Dosland, Vernis Ziegelmann III, Kristel Baltazar and Krishia Baltazar. The American Legion Post 87, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936 and the Minnesota National Guard accorded military honors.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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