Wendell Dale Vlasin was born July 26, 1926, in Rolette, ND, the youngest son of John and Grace (Seebart) Vlasin. He moved with his family to St. John, ND, where he grew up and graduated from high school. Following high school, Wendell enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, where he served as a cryptographer in Europe and North Africa. After an honorable discharge in 1946, Wendell furthered his education. He attended Minot State University for two years and graduated from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Arts Degree; majoring in Journalism. While attending college, he was an active member of the Sigma Delta Chi (Journalism Fraternity), Phi Alpha Theta (National History Society), and the Phi Beta Kappa (National Scholarship Society).

In 1951, Wendell moved to Mahnomen, MN, where he worked for numerous years as the editor of the Mahnomen Pioneer. He was a dynamic influence on the area Boy Scouts as he helped seven individuals obtain the rank of Eagle Scout: Lowell Hanson, James Langemo, Donald Nelson, Robert Hanson, Albert Dentz, Mark Goldsmith and Robert Withrow. Wendell also kept very busy with the Mahnomen Indian Athletics. He kept both football and basketball stats and also handled news releases for area football and boys and girls basketball conferences for many years. Wendell was proud to say he was the keeper of the Mahnomen High School football game charts from the sidelines for 410+ games and had the unique experience of being on the sideline and keeping stats at five Mahnomen State Football Championship games:1980, 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993.

Wendell was a member of the Isaacson-Bjorge American Legion Post #31 and founded the Mahnomen Quarterback Club. In 1971, he was named to the Minnesota Football Coaches Association Football Hall of Fame. Wendell died Sunday, October 26, 2008, in his home at the age of 82.

He will be greatly missed by all who had the experience of knowing him.

Wendell is survived by two brothers, Maurice Vlasin, Katy, TX; Bernard (Ruth) Vlasin, Oak Hill, FL; and two sisters in-law, Lois Vlasin, Glyndon, MN; and Norma Byrd, Minot, ND, and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents and two brothers, Duane and Merwin.

A time of gathering will take place on Thursday, October 30, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with special remembrances beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Mahnomen Public School Gymnasium.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Mahnomen Quarterback Club.