Vernon Bucholz, age 83, of Gary, Minnesota, died Thursday, August 4, 2011 in Sanford Health, Fargo.

Vernon Lloyd Bucholz was born August 13, 1927, the son of Fred and Nora (Amundson) Bucholz in Mahnomen, Minnesota. As a youngster, Vernon spent his early years with his family in the Naytahwaush area. He later moved with his family to the Faith, Minnesota area. He attended school in Mahnomen where he graduated from Mahnomen High School. After high school, he began farming with his dad and brother. On May 10, 1952, Vernon was united in marriage to Martha Stalboerger in Gary. They continued to live and farm seven miles east of Gary. They were blessed with three children, Rosiland, Sheri, and Mark. Vernon retired from farming in 1986 and went to work part-time for Skaurud Grain Farms for several years.

Vernon was a former active member of St. Petri Lutheran Church where he held several church office positions until its closing. His favorite past times included going out to eat with his wife, trips to Fargo, hunting, camping and fishing, but his heart was in being the care giver for his wife for the past several years.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Martha, a son, Mark (Deb) Bucholz, West Fargo, ND; two daughters, Rosiland Olson, Arlington, TX and Sheri (Greg) Smith, Carbondale, CO; a sister, Janice (Mike) Merck, Eagan, MN; a sister-in-law, Catherine (Kate) Bucholz, Mahnomen, MN and five grandchildren, Brandon Bucholz and fiancé Laura Black, Brittney Bucholz, Vicki McWilliams, Crystal (Steve) Keipert and Thor (Mavyn) Olson and four great-grandchildren – Lily and Roan McWilliams, Katelyn Keipert, and Thor (Jr.) Olson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Nalton (Bud) and a sister, Elaine; and several sister and brother in-laws.

Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 10:30 AM in Gary Lutheran Church, Gary. Visitation was Monday from 5-6:30 PM followed with a Prayer Service in the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley. Visitation was also one hour prior to the services at the church on Tuesday. Officiating was Pastor John Ahola with Alden Anderson serving as organist and Julie Garden serving as vocalist and flutist. Pallbearers were Mike Merck, Jr., Perry Skaurud, Kelly Skaurud, Craig Garden, Kevin Bucholz and Dave Johnson.

Burial was at St. Petri Lutheran Cemetery, rural Gary, MN.