Vernon John Wille

Funeral services for Vernon John Wille, 94, of Truman, MN, will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2017, at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Truman, MN.  Visitation will be held prior to the service at the church from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. with interment taking place following the service at Ridgelawn Memorial Park.   Vernon passed away on Tuesday September 5, 2017 at Truman Senior Living.  Vernon was born April 18, 1923 in Davenport, North Dakota, to Otto and Anna (Reinke) Wille.  He lived in North Dakota until the age of 9 when he moved Minnesota.  He was confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church in Northrop and graduated from Truman High School in 1942.  On April 22, 1945, he married Jeanette Lorraine Kettner at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Truman.  He worked as a hired hand and later farmed with his family.  He served in the Army from November 1945 until September 1946, at which time he was honorably discharged.  During his time of service, he served as Military Police in Anchorage, Alaska.  He returned to Truman after his discharge where he continued to farm and raise his family until his retirement in 1988.  He was very active on area committees and boards, serving many roles.  He served on the Creamery Board, Agriculture Association Board, Truman Public School Board, Dairy Herd Association, Martin County ADA, Martin County 4H, Martin County Crop Improvement Association, Board of Education at St. Paul’s School in Truman, Lutheran Retirement Home Board, Martin County Fair Board, and Ridgelawn Cemetery Board.  He was an Elder at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Truman.  He received an Honorary Chapter award in FFA.  During retirement he enjoyed serving Meals on Wheels, fishing, and taking trips with family and friends.   Vernon is survived by his wife of 72 years, Jeanette, of Truman; children Cheryl (Marlin) Niss of New London, Alan (Peggy) of Truman, Jerome (Laurie) of Truman, Curt (Denise) of Truman, Wayne (Laura) of Truman; son-in-law Keith (Dawn) Kellen of Aitkin; 13 grandchildren Tammy Kellen Gilbert, Cari Niss, Jason Niss, Kristen Schoen, Jennifer Wille, Brian Wille, Tyler Wille, Dawn Wille, Kevin Wille, Andrew Wille, Ryan Wille, Caitlin Wille, Carter Wille; 10 great grandchildren Charlie, Katie, Molly, Cassie, Adam, Andrew, Gavin, Addison, Alex, Brooklynn; sister-in-law Joyce (Clyde) Dunn of Sioux Falls, SD; other relatives and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, sisters, and his daughter Sharon Kellen in 2001. Memorials are preferred to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Truman, Minnesota.  Zaharia Family Funeral and Cremation is in charge of arrangements.