Watch Vernon's Service Here

Vernon Dorseth, age 94, of Flom, MN, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley, at Benedictine Care Community of Ada, MN.

Vernon Henry Dorseth, the son of Henry and Viola (Christensen) Dorseth, was born on August 12, 1929, at home in Norman County, near Flom.  He was baptized and confirmed at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, MN. Vernon began his education at Woodland Nook country school and later graduated from Waubun High School in 1948.  During his childhood he was active in Sunday School, Luther League, Flom Boy Scout Troop and was also a member of the Flom 4-H Club. As a child, Vernon showed dairy cattle in the 4-H organization and, as an adult, he proudly became a 4-H judge.

After graduation Vernon spent a few years helping his dad farm and milk cows. In February of 1952, Vernon received greetings from Uncle Sam.  He was drafted into the Army. With his organizational skills and proficiency in typing, Vernon earned an office position and was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge, on February 15, 1954, Vernon returned home to Minnesota. Vernon spent a few years delivering milk for Cass Clay Creamery and Dutch Maid Dairy in Moorhead.  Almost 70 years ago, on June 20, 1954, Vernon was united in marriage to LaVonne Hammer at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley.  The couple made their first home together in Moorhead, MN and shortly thereafter moved back to the farm they purchased from his father east of Flom. They began their family raising, one son and three daughters together, while running the family farm.  Vernon operated a dairy operation for many years, dutifully working in the barn, caring for the cattle, and bringing in the harvest.  It was also during this time he was the substitute bus driver for Harald Skansgaard. He also worked at the Red Owl Store in Flom where for 13 years he worked the slaughter house every Thursday and more during the deer season. After selling the cattle, he raised young stock for a time before retiring.  When not farming full-time, Vernon kept busy helping area neighbors and worked with Ole Lunde and his backhoe service laying pipe. Over the years, Vernon also served on the Flom Township Board (19 Yrs), the Cass Clay Board of Directors (9 Years), Flom-Twin Valley VFW serving in various positions as well as Commander, American Legion, and was an active Lifetime member of Aspelund Lutheran Church serving on the church council, as well as a Sunday School teacher.   The family made many wonderful memories each Sunday evening as they gathered around a popcorn bowl to watch Bonanza.  Vernon was very artistic and enjoyed woodcarving, painting, and doodling.  He also shared gifts of music by playing harmonica and yodeling.  He loved to garden and bring the bounty of his efforts in to LaVonne to can. He was truly involved in the lives of his children as he quietly taught them about faith, honesty, and hard work.  Vernon was humble and was a man of his word.  He was always there to help someone in need and never forgot a promise he made.  Above all, Vernon cherished his family.  He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and great grandfather.  He adored his grandchildren and enjoyed spending as much time as he could with the kids around.  His tender heart and simple smile touched all those around him.

Vernon is survived by his wife, LaVonne of rural Flom; three daughters: Terri (Dale) Thornton of Twin Valley, Jennifer (Mike) Klemetson of Flom, MN, and Jolene (Jeff) Brevik of Twin Valley; 11 grandchildren: Jon (Sarah) Thornton, Jason (Rebecca) Thornton, Jim (JoAnn) Thornton, Ben (Laura) Thornton, Kayla (Brett) Christensen, Jacob (Miranda) Klemetson, Katie Lue (Ezra) Baer, Jared Klemetson, Adam (Kristin) Brevik, Aaron (Courtney) Brevik and Kristian (Brandi) Brevik; 30 great grandchildren; three siblings: Gloria Francis of Mahnomen, MN, Alden Dorseth of Little Falls, MN, and Linda (Keith) Axvig of Brainard, MN; brother-in-law, Bob (Dorothy) Hammer of Chambersburg, PA; and sister-in-law, Janine Breslin of Moorhead.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Greg; sister, Donna Mae Albertson; brothers-in-law, Sanford Albertson and Rolland Francis; and his sister-in-law, Shirley Dorseth.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 28, 2023, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm, with a prayer service beginning at 6:30pm, at Aspelund Lutheran Church, rural Flom, MN.  A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting an hour before, at Aspelund Lutheran Church, rural Flom.  Interment will be held in the Aspelund Lutheran Cemetery, rural Flom.