Vernie Haugtvedt, age 87, of Hawley, MN, formerly Ulen, MN, died Thursday, August 9, 2012, in Essentia Health Fargo, ND.

Vernie was born April 14, 1925, the son of Ingvald and Bernice (Julsrud) Haugtvedt at home in Norwegian Grove Township in Ottertail County. As a young boy, Vernie grew up on several different farms in the Pelican Rapids/Rothsay/Barnesville communities. As a young man he worked on several farms in that area. At the age of 19, Vernie entered the United States Army, serving his country as an infantry man in the Philippines and later, Korea during WWII. After his honorable discharge, Vernie was employed as a welder in Fargo, ND. On June 14, 1952, Vernie was united in marriage to Viviette Butenhoff in Sabin, MN. The couple made their home in Fargo for a few years before moving to the Ulen area. Their union was blessed with two children, Eric and Kim. They operated their farm near Ulen until retiring in 1990. They continued to make the farm their home until 2006, when they moved into Hawley. Vernie and Viviette recently moved to Moorhead where they have continued to make their home.

Vernie was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ulen. His favorite pastimes included playing cards, tinkering with things around the farm and visiting with friends, but he truly treasured the time he spent with his family and grandchildren.

Vernie is survived by his wife of 60 years, Viviette of Moorhead; son, Eric (Barb) of Hazel Green, AL; daughter, Kim (Duane) Jeral of Hawley, MN; six grandchildren, Nolan (Nichole), Austin and Dylan Jeral, and Ashley, Amanda and Kayla Haugtvedt; five sisters, Inez Braton of Barnesville, MN, Violet (Al) Wolf of Jamestown, ND, Norma (Harold) Helm and Florence (Julian) Larson all of Moorhead, MN, and Goldie (Harley) Hansen of Tower City, ND and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, August 13, 2012 at 11:00 am in Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ulen, MN. Visitation was Sunday, August 12th from 3-5 pm with a Prayer Service at 5 pm at the church. Visitation was also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Officiating was Pastor Steve Dahl with Carol Lockhart serving as organist, Susan Green serving as pianist and Chris Kenney serving as vocalist. Pallbearers were Nolan Jeral, Austin Jeral, Dylan Jeral, Jay Titus, Brian Shaw and Paul Evenson. Honorary pallbearers were Ashley Haugtvedt, Amanda Haugtvedt, Kayla Haugtvedt, Nichole Jeral and Vernie's nieces and nephews. Military honors were provided by Ulen VFW Post #5115 and the Ulen Post #412 of the American Legion and the MN Army National Guard Honor Guard.

Burial was in North Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Ulen.