Vernon Duane Storeby, 87

Vernon Duane Storeby was born on July 17, 1935, to Harry and Ellen (Holmstrom) Storeby on the family farm in Strandquist, MN. He attended school in Strandquist until the 8th grade when he left to help on the family farm. When Vernon was 17 years old he joined the US Navy and served for five years. He served on the USS Kula Gulf where he traveled to 10 countries. Vernon received medals for Occupation Service and National Defense before being honorably discharged in 1957. He was united in marriage to Esther Kuznia on May 20, 1958, and to this union six children were born. Later in life Vernon had another child which made him a father of seven. Vernon worked various jobs in his life. He was a milkman; farmer and he drove school bus for the Strandquist school district. He also worked at the American Crystal Sugar Company in Drayton, ND for 30 years as a Foreman in the sugar warehouse and other various jobs. Following his retirement, he worked at the beet pilers for many years.

In his free time Vernon enjoyed snowcat trips with Esther, son-in-law Earl Ryan and many other friends. He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, umpiring softball games, and attending his kids sporting events. If he wasn’t having a good time visiting with family and friends, he was watching westerns with his favorite “The Duke” John Wayne, and his favorite football teams the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings.

Vernon was a member of the American Legion for more than 60 years and a member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Karlstad.

In January 2021 Vernon entered the Karlstad Senior Living Center where he was a resident until his peaceful passing on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the age of 87.

Vernon is survived by his children Rebecca (Earl) Ryan, Drayton, ND; Timothy Storeby, Drayton, ND; Joyce (Ed Anderson) Storeby, Lake Bronson, MN; Dixie Storeby, Karlstad, MN; Troy Storeby, Highlands Ranch, CO; Travis (Vanna) Storeby, Emerado, ND; grandchildren Michael (Amanda) Ryan, Heather Ryan, Nathan Ryan, Dustin (Amy) Huebsch, Stefanie (Toby) Kongslie, Bethany (Jordan) LeDune, Kala (Jon) Kvernen, Kyle (Heather Rodin) Anderson, Tyler Storeby and many great grandchildren. He is also survived by his former wife and life-long partner Esther Storeby.

He is preceded in death by his son Robert “Bobby” Storeby, his parents, and his siblings Ervin Storeby, Joyce (Larry) Brunow, Palmer Storeby and Beverly Ranum.

Vernon’s family would like to thank the staff at the Karlstad Senior Living Center for the care given to Vernon, treating him like family.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 AM, Monday, May 22, 2023, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Karlstad with Fr. George Noel presiding. Military Honors were accorded by the Karlstad American Legion Post #445 and the Minnesota National Guard.

Visitation was held one hour prior to services at the church.

Interment services will be held at Mamrelund Cemetery of rural Strandquist at a later date to be announced.

Funeral arrangements are with Collins Funeral Home of Karlstad.

An online guestbook is available at www.collinsfunerals.com.