Vernon L. Brower

VERNON LEE BROWER was born on February 9, 1929 to John Jr. and Dora (Vander Schaaf) Brower in Doon, IA, where he was raised and received his education. As a young man, Vernon worked with his father on the Great Northern Railroad. In March of 1953 he entered the United States Army and served his country as a radio telecommunication operator, attaining the rank of Corporal. On May 26, 1953, Vernon was united in marriage to Wilma Van Wyhe at the Christian Reformed Church parsonage in Rock Rapids, Iowa. The couple made their home in Louisiana during Vernon’s service time. Following his honorable discharge in January of 1955, the couple returned home to northwest Iowa where they resided on Wilma’s family’s farm west of Rock Rapids. They moved for a short time to Edgerton, MN, before returning to Rock Rapids. During these moves, Vernon drove truck for a rendering company and worked on a farm as a hired man. In 1962, Vernon became employed at Iowa Beef Processors in Luverne, MN. The growing family then moved to Luverne where Vernon worked until his retirement. During their retirement years, the couple enjoyed traveling, attending grandchildren’s events and each other’s company.

On November 21, 2013, Wilma preceded him in death. Vernon continued to reside in their home until December of 2014 when he moved to an apartment at the Oaks in Luverne.

On Thursday, May 7, 2015 Vernon died as result of heart and lung disease at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage. He went to his heavenly home at the age of 86 years, two months and 26 days.

Vernon was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Luverne, where he had served as a Deacon. He also ministered through delivering sermon tapes to fellow parishioners that were shut-in. Vernon took pride in his home and his yard. He enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren to fish. He live-trapped the squirrels in his yard and successfully relocated an official total of 777. Vernon also enjoyed visiting with friends, neighbors and strangers and was known for always having a joke, funny or not, to share.

Vernon is lovingly remembered by his children: Bonnie Lingen of Hills, MN, Sandy Maxwell (Jeff Munson) of Hill City, SD, Verlyn (Karla) Brower of Meridian, ID, Vance (Laurie) Brower of Sioux Falls, SD, and Rachele (David) Rylaarsdam of Grandville, MI; grandchildren: Bonnie’s children, Vicky VanderWoude, Seth (Chris) VanderWoude, Davita Farwick, Deidre Farwick, Jonah (Rachel) Lingen, Jocilan (Dan) Fick, Jasmine Lingen; Sandy’s children, Sherry (Andy) Diller, Erin (Matt) Brown, Eric (Amanda) Lammert, Austin Maxwell; Verlyn’s children, Nicholas Brower, Holly (Jon) Sikha, Josiah Brower; Vance’s children, Jeremy Brower, Alex (Tanner) Overweg; Shelly’s children, Andrew Rylaarsdam, Kate Rylaarsdam, and Simon Rylaarsdam; great-grandchildren: Jaya Sikha, Nora Diller, Benjamin Diller, Karis Sikha, Ian Lingen, Lucas Diller, Kaitlyn Brown, and Cael VanderWoude; sister, Dorothy Trot of Storm Lake, Iowa; and other family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma; grandson, Jared Lingen; infant great-granddaughter, Cora Vander Woude; sons-in-law, Curt Maxwell, Jr. and Frank Vander Woude; parents; siblings, Julie Vissia, Frieda Wagner and David Brower.