Vernon D. Thomforde, age 73, of Ada, Minnesota, died Sunday, October 2nd, 2011, in Bridges Care Community, Ada.

Vernon Donald Thomforde was born April 19, 1938, the son of Fred and Anna (Bramar) Thomforde in Ada. As a youngster, Vernon walked one and a half miles to attend Washington Elementary School in Pleasant View Township. He went to Lockhart School for 8th and 9th grade then on to Ada High School, graduating with the class of 1956.

Vernon was employed for Great Northern Railway from 1956 thru 1962. He then returned home and started farming on the family farm. In 1976, Vernon rented out the farmland and began working for Burlington Northern Railroad doing track maintenance. He retired in 1996 due to his health. At that time he moved into Ada where he lived until the time of his death.

Vernon enjoyed reminiscing about the "good old days" and liked looking for antiques as well as attending auction sales in his spare time. Vernon will always be remembered by his family for his dedication and loving care of his sister, Sharon.

Vernon is survived by a daughter, Melissa Okerlund of Sioux Falls, SD; a brother, Marvin (Ruth) Thomforde of Sturtevant, WI; two sisters, Orlaine Gnadt of Ada, MN and Darlene (Kenneth) Peterson of Franksville, WI and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Willis, Wayne and Loren and one sister, Sharon.

A private family service was held.