Vernon L. Jenson, 88, of Moorhead, MN, formerly Ulen, MN, died Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at the palliative care unit of Sanford Medical Center in Fargo.

Vernon Lester Jenson was born March 24, 1925, the son of Nile and Ida Jenson near Gary, MN. He grew up in rural Norman County where he worked various farm jobs. In 1944, Vernon entered into the United States Army seeing combat in the Philippines and serving for a time in Japan after the war ended. In November of 1946, Vernon was honorably discharged and returned to the area. On March 10, 1950, Vernon was united in marriage to Lorraine Knudtson in Moorhead. The couple made their home near Ulen, where they farmed and raised dairy and beef cattle until retiring and moving into Moorhead in 1993. After his retirement, Vernon would become more and more involved in managing the care of Lorraine as her health declined until her death in 2001.

Vernon took great pride in farming and making things work. He was a family man, always enjoying seeing his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Over the years, Vernon served on the Ulen Creamery Board. He was very independent, living in his own home until moving to Arbor Park Living Center in December of 2012.

Vernon is survived by three children: Doug (Connie) of West Fargo, Denise (Don) Smith of Dilworth, and DeAnn (Jeff) Witte of Fargo; three brothers: Don (Elaine) of Twin Valley, Delano (Elaine) of Detroit Lakes and Dennis (Junnell) of Lake Park; seven grandchildren; four great grandchildren, and another one on the way in April.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; three sisters and four brothers.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, March 24, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. in Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ulen. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Officiating was Pastor Mike Rueckert with special music provided by Susan Green and Carol Lockhart. Pallbearers were Alison Kirsch, Cy Kirsch, Leah Jenson, Kelsey Jenson, Kari Kleist, Dan Kleist and Bruce McDaniel. Honorary pallbearers were Kristie McDaniel, Luke McDaniel, Emma Kleist, McKenna Kleist, Isaiah Kleist, Andrea Hermann and Jackson Witte. Military Honors were provided by the Ulen VFW Post #5115 and the Ulen American Legion and the Minnesota National Guard Honor Guard.

Interment was in North Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Ulen.