Vernon Burdett Lundquist of Wilson, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 at a private care home in Wyoming, Minnesota, under the care of his granddaughter, Fallon Hagy. Vernon was born April 6, 1925, in Cherokee, Iowa, where he also graduated from high school. He joined the Army in 1944 where he was wounded and received a purple heart and a silver star. He married Cora June Goerndt and had eight children. He later married Mary Dean Keith on Oct. 14, 1978.
Vern had many interests in his life and was always on the go. Over the years, he farmed in many different areas, including cattle, pigs, sheep and horses. He and his wife Mary Dean raised Arabian horses for many years, but his passion in later life was his miniature horses. He enjoyed breeding and showing his miniatures under the name of Midwest Miniatures. Vern’s other passion was music — specifically, country music. Vern had a band know as Midwest Troubadours for many years and loved to sing, dance, and live life to the fullest.
Vern had a great sense of humor and always loved to hear a new joke. He was a member of the Wilson American Legion and a life member of DAV and the VFW.
Vernon is preceded in death by his parents, brother, sister and two children. Vernon is survived by his wife, Mary Dean; brothers: Kermit and Ralph; sister LaVon; and eight children: Betty (and Merlin), Barbara (and Edward), Kay (and Ron), Terry (and Sharon), Crystal (and Jack), Cheryl (and Marlin), Tyler and Colleen (and Gary). Vernon also has 19 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.
Memorial will be held at the Brother Michael Center in Spring Valley, Wisconsin, on Friday, June 7, 2019, with viewing at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow.
Burial service will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at 1:45 p.m. with full Honor Guard. All are welcome. Vernon will be missed by his family and many friends.
Keehr Funeral Home (www.keehrfuneralhome.com), Spring Valley, is handling arrangements.