Vernon E. Sagness

Vernon E. Sagness, 94, of Garretson passed away on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at the Veterans Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, May 26, 2011 at East Nidaros Lutheran Church, rural Baltic. Visitation will be from 4-7:00 PM Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at Minnehaha Funeral Home, Baltic.

Vernon was born November 3, 1916 to parents Gilbert and Annie (Anderson) Sagness on the family homestead at rural Garretson. He attended Hegge Country School and graduated from Garretson High School in 1935. He then attended South Dakota State College School of Agriculture, (Brookings) graduating in 1937.

He entered the United States Army in September 15, 1942 and served during World War II. While in Norway, he met Karin Hanson, who he later married on October 6, 1945 in Ullern, Norway. After his discharge in 1945, he returned to the family farm where he raised crops and dairy cattle. He remained on the farm, which was recognized as a Century Farm in 1984, until his passing. Karin passed away on December 30, 2005.

Vernon was a member of the East Nidaros Lutheran Church and the Baltic American Legion. He enjoyed attending the Baltic and SDSU girl’s basketball games, and was the Baltic Spirit Booster for 1999-2000. He also enjoyed playing cards, baking donuts and visiting with family and friends.

Grateful for having shared his life are his children, Virgil (Chris) Sagness, Star Prairie, WI; and grandchildren Erik, AnnMarie and Katrina; Vera Mae Sagness (Larry) Young, Garretson; and grandson, Johnathan; Vivi Ann (Dan) Jacobs, Roberts, WI; and grandchildren, Jason, Nathan, Adam, and Alyssa; six great grandchildren; a sister, Marge Dally, Pen Argyl, PA; a sister in law, Liv (Gunnar) Falch-Pederson, Norway.

He was also preceded in death by two sons, Verlin and Vernon Jr. three sisters and two brothers.