Verlin Aarness

Verlin Dale Aarness, 79, of Vergas, MN, died peacefully in his sleep at Oak Crossing, Transitional Care Unit in Detroit Lakes, MN on Saturday, December 22, 2018.

Verlin was born on April 4, 1939 to Alvin and Francis (Trane) Aarness in Norwegian Grove Township near Pelican Rapids, MN. He attended country school until the 8th grade and graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1956. He served his country in the US Army from 1956-1959 in Italy as a helicopter mechanic and was honorably discharged.

He returned to the states and started work as a mason, foreman and site supervisor for Haugen Masonry.  In his 40+ year career, Verlin worked on numerous projects in the region including the FargoDome, the Federal Courthouse in Fargo and numerous projects on the Concordia – Moorhead campus including the Bell Tower.

March 3, 1962, Verlin was united in marriage to Carol Ann Bertram. Together they made their home and raised their 4 children in Barnesville, MN.  In retirement, Verlin and Carol moved to their lake home on Spirit Lake near Vergas, MN.

Verlin enjoyed hunting and fishing.  In retirement, he especially enjoyed spearfishing on Prairie Lake with other retirees and friends from the area.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol of Vergas MN; three children: Kathy (Kurt) Keena, Hastings, MN; Eric (Brenda) Aarness, Stillwater, MN; and Philip (Annemarie) Aarness, St Paul, MN; grandchildren: Elizabeth Keena, Kate Aarness, Daniel Aarness, Tayler Aarness, Ashlyn Aarness, Dylan Aarness and Mason Aarness.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; one sister: Renee and one son: Jeffrey.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, December 28 at 11AM in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frazee, MN.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to Mass.  Interment will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in the spring of 2019.

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