Vernon Fenner, 74, of Isanti, passed away Wednesday, December 31st at his home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 3rd at 2:00 PM at Spring Lake Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior to the service. Visitation also will be held on Friday, January 2nd from 4-8 pmat the Strike Funeral home – Isanti Chapel. Interment will be at Spring Lake Lutheran Cemetery.
Vernon Richard Fenner was born February 10, 1934 in Sarona, Wisconsin to Herman and Ella Fenner. He lived his early years in Wisconsin and then the family moved to the Spring Lake North Branch area. Vernon graduated from North Branch High School. On July 6, 1957 he married Karin Wallin at Faith Lutheran Church in Isanti. They made their home in Cambridge until 1961 when they moved to Isanti. In 1973 they moved to Bradford Township in rural Isanti where he has lived ever since. Vern was an active member of Spring Lake Lutheran Church and served faithfully for many years. He was a carpenter and owned and operated Fenner Construction until retirement. He built many pole barns in the area and they can be seen throughout the community. Even after retiring he did many odd jobs for family and friends. He loved his family and all of the family activities and going with his brothers and sisters to various activities. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing, mowing lawn, feeding and watching the birds and feeding the pheasants. He loved the outdoors and just being outside.
Vernon passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 31, 2008 at the age of 74 years, 10 months and 21 days. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Karin in 1999; one brother, Harold; three sisters, Marvel Thill, Florence Ranney and Dorothy Juza.
Vern is survived by his three daughters, Pamela (Greg) LaNasa of Ham Lake, Janis (Robert) Youngdahl of Long Lake, Patricia Fenner of Fridley; six grandchildren, Brook, Lola, Dana and Laura Youngdahl, Guinevere and Graham LaNasa; three brothers, Herman (Cecelia) of North Branch, James (Luella) of Isanti, Robert (Mary) of Temecula, California; four sisters, Mildred Meerstein of St. Paul, Alice (Yale) Sherman of Minneapolis, Ruby Stronsky of Fargo, North Dakota, Evelyn (Art) Engdahl of North Branch; and by many other relatives and friends.
I graduated with Vernon from NBHS and was always impressed by him as a very kind, likeable man. Have not had much contact with him except for a few class reunions and a resent phone call. I was a neighbor of Herman when we moved back to Kost in 1990-2001 and always enjoyed visiting with Vernon. His upbeat attitude was contageous and he will be missed. My sincere sympathy to all the family. I am residing in Fl. so will be unable to attend the service, but my thoughts and prayers will be with you during this time.