Verlin Virgil Vedders, 82, of Cambridge, MN, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026 after living with Alzheimer’s Disease for eight years.
A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM, service at 11:00 AM, followed by a lunch at New Hope Community Church in Cambridge on Friday, January 9th, 2026. A burial will be held at a later date at Borgholm Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the Cambridge American Legion Friday at the church.
Verlin was born in Minneapolis on December 18th, 1943 to Josie and William Vedders and was raised in Pease, MN. He attended Pease Christian School and graduated from Milaca High School in 1962. On Verlin’s 18th birthday, he enlisted in the Army National Guard, where he served honorably for six years. In 1964, he married the love of his life, Donna Marie Nelson. They later welcomed their daughters, Kelly Sue and Julie Ann.
Verlin had an entrepreneurial spirit and worked as a small business owner for most of his life. A long time resident of Columbia Heights, MN, he volunteered with the local Lion’s Club and Athletic Boosters. After deciding retirement wasn’t for him, he had multiple jobs working with individuals with disabilities. Between 1994 and 2001, Verlin’s three grandchildren were born, Josie, James, and Jacob. He described being a grandpa as “The best thing that ever happened to me.” Verlin was a proud Dutchman, who was known for his generosity, good humor, and for always having a song in his heart.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Josie and father, William, as well as his brothers, Robert and Alfred John. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Donna Vedders, daughters Kelly Melgren (Jeff), Julie Duncan (Jeff), granddaughter Josie Melgren (Collin), grandsons James Duncan and Jacob Duncan, many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.
Uncle Verlie was fun and easy to talk to. Genuine. He will be greatly missed.
I only have beautiful memories of Uncle Verlin that always make me smile. He was the uncle you looked forward to seeing that had a dear, beautiful heart. He had a beautiful life and a beautiful family. May his spirit rest in peace. Love to you all.
Donna, Kelly, Julie, and your families, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have always admired Verlin and enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor. I know Lola and Bob treasured him and all of you in their lives, and he will be missed by so many who knew him. Peace to all of you as you cope with his absence. Dona
We are so sorry for your loss. Verlin was a very nice man with a beautiful smile. We are so thankful for 46 years of friendship. We pray for your family strength and peace. Love you all – the Schorn family. 💕
To Donna and family. May happy memories carrry you through this sorrowful time. Sincerely, Marilyn Sheppard.
I would always love going to family gatherings just to see him. He always made me laugh.
Sorry to hear this news .. our thoughts and prayers are with you
Verlin was a great guy with a unique sense of humor and just made you feel better being around him. I’ve missed him, and Donna, since they sold their camper up at Sherwood Forest.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Donna and family.
Deepest condolences to the family. I hold a summer trip that I joined Josie, Donna and Verlin on to Pease as a core memory. I will never forget how epic it was to see the street with his family name there. That experience sparked a love of small towns that I still carry today, just one of the many ways his legacy lives on.