Holthusen, Vernon John (1918-2008)

HOLTHUSEN, JUNGE, FILE, SMALL, CHRISTIANS, RIPLEY, MEIBURG, TOMS

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 6/21/2008 at 10:16:12

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, June 19, 2008

Vernon J. Holthusen, 89, of Le Mars, and formerly of Rock Rapids, died Friday, June 13, 2008, at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City.

Vernon John Henry Holthusen was born Nov. 16, 1918, in Hull, the son of William and Freida (Junge) Holthusen. He attended country school and helped with the family farm. On Aug. 18, 1943, Vernon was united in marriage to Thelma File in Dakota City, Neb. Vernon worked for Kooiker Chevrolet, was a mechanic for International Harvester Implement in Rock Rapids, and had a gravel business with his brother Arnold. He was a road foreman with Lyon County when he retired.

In March of 2003, Vernon's wife Thelma died after 59 years of marriage. Vernon moved to Le Mars in July of 2005 to be closer to his daughter, Tammy. He became a resident of Plymouth Manor in December of 2007.

In his pastime, Vernon enjoyed fixing anything that was broken, especially if it had an engine. He also enjoyed gardening, taking family vacations and watching his Cubs. He especially enjoyed his time with his grandsons, and followed all their sports activities.

Vernon is survived by his daughter, Tamara and her husband, Kevin Small of Le Mars; five grandchildren, Aaron (Leah) Christians, of Sioux City, Adam (Jen) Christians, of Andover, Kan., Tyler Christians of Norman, Okla., Tanner Christians and Ross (Amanda) Small of Le Mars; his great-grandchildren, Isabella Christians, Tyler, Leah, Turner, and Carly Christians, and Mason Small; one brother, Virgil Holthusen of Rock Rapids; and one sister, Lucille (Les) Ripley of Luverne, Minn. He is also survived by his little dog Sara, along with a host of relatives and friends.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Alvin, in infancy, Arnold and Wilmer and two sisters, Selma Meiburg and Arlene Toms.

Funeral service were at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids, with the Rev. Dave Christensen officiating. Burial was at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids. Visitation was from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids.