Vernon Wieberdink

Vern Wieberdink was born on April 18, 1937, in a farmhouse in Holland Township near Prinsburg, MN. It was fitting that he was born on the farm as it was evident from a young age that he was a talented, creative, and hard-working young man who loved to fix, invent, and improve everything he touched.

Blessed with an inquisitive and analytical mind (and a mischievous nature with a little attitude), Vern excelled when he enlisted in the Army, receiving the highest score ever received in mechanical aptitude tests. This earned him the Flaming Piss Pot award while serving in Germany. Following his stint in the Army, Vern returned to Prinsburg where he went to work in road construction.

It was while living in Prinsburg that Vern met the light of his life, Joyce Downs. They married on January 18, 1962 and embarked on their new life’s journey by thawing frozen pipes when they returned to their trailer house after the wedding.

Later, they found their dream location and settled on Maple Lake near Alexandria, MN. Vern looked for work that would enable him to raise a family while enjoying all that the area had to offer. It was this quest that led him to Alexandria Vocational Technical Institute where he started and built the Diesel Mechanic program.

Between teaching, developing, building, and racing snowmobiles, racing cars, farming, and writing for Race and Rally magazine, Vern and Joyce led an exciting and adventurous life. Never one to rest, Vern went on to found Alex Air Apparatus and enjoyed building the company and establishing life-long friendships.

With eleven grandchildren, travel, a hobby farm, Alex Air Apparatus, and visiting with friends and family, Vern was never still unless he was reading a book from one of his vast collections.

Vern instilled a tremendous work ethic in his children, told things like they were, was powerfully persuasive, and was usually right – which he would tell you.

Vern left us unexpectedly on Thursday, April 5, 2018. Just as he lived life, Vern went on his own terms. He’ll be greatly missed by his wife, Joyce, children; Lori (Gary) Kloos, Wayne (Chris) Wieberdink, Kyle (Marcia) Wieberdink, eleven grandchildren, and countless family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2018, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Sunday.  Funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 15, 2018, 2:00 PM at Alexandria Covenant Church in Alexandria, MN.  Burial will be at the Hudson Cemetery in Hudson Township.  Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net