Vernon J. Worrel

Of Mahtomedi

Age 88

Born July 19, 1923 in St. Paul. Died at home on October 28, 2011 after fighting cancer for 3 1/2 years. Survived by Loving Wife of 67 years, Marlys; Children, Susan (Art) Peisert of Coon Rapids, Bonnie (Don) Timm of Anoka, David (Diane) of Wisconsin, Douglas of California & Christine (Steve) Katke of Clear Lake; 13 Grandchildren; Seven Great-Grandchildren; Siblings, Jim Worrel of Seattle, Don Worrel of St. Paul, Doris Printon of St. Paul & Kathy Foster of St. Paul; and Many Nieces & Nephews. Preceded in death by Parents, Walter & Susan Worrel; and Sister, Patricia Freeman.

Vern was a World War II Veteran, having served as a Navigator in the Army Air Forces. He and Marlys were high school sweethearts and married in June, 1944. He attended the University of Minnesota on the G.I. bill and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He went on to work in the turf industry as a Design Engineer for 40 years, with 17 of those at Toro Corporation, before retiring in 1993.

In retirement, Vern worked as an Engineering Consultant and acted as the family genealogist by researching his family's roots and keeping a detailed family tree. He also served as an election judge for Washington County for many years. Later, he loved to play cards with family and friends, most recently with the Cribbage group at the White Bear Senior Center and enjoyed emailing his friends and family. He faced his illness with courage and dignity.

He will be deeply missed.