Watch Vincent's Service Here

Vincent H. Babler, age 87, of Borup, MN, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at Northern Lights Assisted Living, Ulen, MN.

Vincent Harold Babler was born May 6, 1937, in Ada, MN, to Elvin and Mrytle (Kappel) Babler.  He grew up in the Borup area where he attended school.  As a young man, Vince joined the US Navy and served as a radio man on the USS Kitty Hawk Aircraft Carrier.  On December 30, 1958, Vincent was united in marriage to the love of his life, LaVonne Syverson.  After being stationed in various places including Virginia, Maryland and California, he was honorably discharged in May of 1963 and the couple returned to the Borup area to raise their young family.  Following his service with the Navy, Vince decided to join the US Air Force and proudly served with the Happy Hooligans of the 119th Wing of the ND Air National Guard, until his retirement in 1994 after nearly 40 years combined military service.  Over the years, Vince farmed for a majority of his working career, but he also became a well-known auctioneer in the area.  He and LaVonne continued to live on the farm until this past November when they moved into the assisted living in Ulen.

Vince had many great qualities but none better than his gift of gab.  He loved visiting and having coffee with the guys in Felton. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and always part ways as friends.  His personality lent itself to his success as an auctioneer, even earning him the title of 2002 ND State Auctioneer Champion.  Vincent was a proud member of the Minnesota Pork Producers, making many lifelong friendships. He also volunteered for several organizations, sat on the Norman County Fair Board, held memberships with the Jaycee's and diligently served as a member of the America Legion Color Guard.  As a proud veteran, he had the great privilege of attending the Veteran's Honor Flight to Washington D.C., a trip of a lifetime. Vince also enjoyed watching football, hunting and attending Thursday night races.  Above all, his greatest loves were his family and he will be greatly missed by many.

Vince is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, LaVonne, of Ulen; son: Mark (Cathy) of New Hope, MN, Terry (Karla) of Lake Park, MN, and Lee (Elsie) of Caledonia, MN; 10 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Beatrice Sather of Mobridge, SD; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings: Gerald "Butch" Babler, Helen (Bob) Sargent, Richard (Mary) Babler and Ruth (Skip) Herringer.

Blessed be the memory of Vincent H. Babler.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 2:00 pm, with visitation 2 hours before, at Winchester Lutheran Church, Borup, MN. Inurnment will be held at Fargo National Cemetery in Harwood, ND, honoring and celebrating his life and military service on his heavenly birthday, May 6, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to a charity of your choice may be given in honor of Vincent.