Vernon B. Dybdahl

Vernon “Vern” Burdette Dybdahl died peacefully at the Avera Sunrise Manor in Tyler, MN on Friday November 19, 2021.

Vern was born on June 24, 1935 in Volga, SD to Melvin and Gyda Dybdahl. He graduated from Volga High School in 1953. Vern joined the National Guard and was an active member for several years. He was also a member of the American Legion in Tyler.

Vern married his high school sweetheart, Marlys on August 22, 1954. The first years of their marriage were busy times. They welcomed four children into their home. In 1968, Vern and his family moved to Tyler where he began working at the Co-op as a fertilizer salesman. He worked in fertilizer sales for many years, eventually landing a position in Mazeppa, MN. Vern was later employed at Lakeside Foods, where he was a forklift driver until his retirement in 2003. Vern and Marlys lived in Mazeppa for over 20 years. During that time, they enjoyed buying and selling collectibles at flea markets and auction sales. They also enjoyed traveling and visiting with family as often as they could.

After their retirement, Vern and Marlys moved back to Tyler where they bought a cabin on the lake. Vern took pride in raising the American Flag every year on the shore and especially enjoyed taking in the view of the lake from his seat on the porch. During his retirement, Vern worked at Wally’s shop with his buddies Dennis and Alfred. They stripped copper from scrap electrical wire. They were known as the “best strippers in town”.

Vern was a kind man with a good heart and a great sense of humor. All the children in the family loved Grandpa Vern, and they always brought a smile to his face. He was always finding ways to make sure the children were happy and having fun. Some favorite memories include sticks of gum in the shirt pocket, rolling down the big hill in the blue barrel or on hot wheels, BB guns and sling shots on the farm, driving on the “racing road”, and just plain “hanging out”. Vern enjoyed collecting toy tractors, cars, and other memorabilia. Through the years, He loved to play cards and games with family and won just about every time he played.

He is survived by his wife Marlys; children, Paul “Wally” Dybdahl (Barb Powell), Dawn (John) Wichern, and Diane Hansen; grandchildren, Janel Dressen, Tony (Shallyn) Dybdahl, Kelly (Kim) Dybdahl, Rachel (Mike) Schmidt, Dillon (Tami) Hansen, Chris Hansen, Carter (Coral) Hansen, Gina Wilhm, Tessa (John) Bloom, Chelsea (Justin) Grooters, Dayna (Tyson) Nielsen; 22 great-grandchildren; sister, Ila Blanchard; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, James Dybdahl; infant great-granddaughter, Molly Nielsen; parents; brothers, Rolland, Jerome, Myron, and Ralph; and sister Avis Nelson.

You are a kind man. Thank you for all you have done for us. It is time to go. We have each other. We will be okay. We all love you. Party on, Vern!