Vernon “Vern” J. Weber, 87, of Durbin, ND, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, October 18, 2018, after a long illness. Vernon James was born on January 27, 1931, to Gustave and Mary (Schmitt) Weber, in Everest, ND. The Weber family grew up on the family farm just south of Casselton.
Vern attended school through 8th grade at Everest Elementary, then for two years, they drove into Casselton for school. In the fall of 1947, part of the family moved to Casselton, where he attended Casselton High School, graduating in 1949. After High School, Vern attended North Dakota State School of Science in electronics, graduating in 1952.
He continued his education at Northwestern College in Minneapolis, graduating in 1953. That same year, Vern started his own company in Casselton, Weber Radio and TV, which serviced and repaired radios and televisions. In 1958, he joined Jondon Implements, and became partner in 1962.
The farm machinery dealership serviced Allis Chalmers, New Holland, OMC, Gehl, and Melroe. Vern often noted that green was not his favorite color. In 1969, Vern married Marlys and adopted her two children as his own.
They lived in Casselton until 1986 when they moved to Durbin, their present home. Vern and Marlys sold the business in 1982, when Vern farmed the family farm until retirement in 1989. Vern had a love for music, especially big band and ragtime.
Despite a childhood crippling hand injury, Vern was an accomplished piano, accordion, and banjo player. The injury required him to play the banjo with it strung backwards and with his left hand. He played all three in the Hal Kenny Band from 1953 to the early 70’s.
The band drove to their Wahpeton Vets Club gig every other week and played the Fargo VFW every other week for two years. They also had a 1/2-hour slot on Fargo radio, played on TV’s Polka Party, and were featured on Valley City Radio. Vern was happiest when spending time with his family.
He loved to go out to Paradiso, especially the patio, always ordering his Jalapeno Burrito with extra onions on the side. He always kept a stocked candy dish with his favorites, including Bit-O-Honey, Snickers, Taffy, and Tootsie Pops. Not to be overlooked was his love of pickled herring and cheese and crackers, and many jokes about Limburger cheese.
Vern loved model trains and old cars, having a bit too many of both, but he enjoyed looking at them all, and setting up some trains at Christmas. He also loved living in the country. He enjoyed mowing the lawn, watching TV, and lending advice to many projects.
He liked grilling burgers, picking apples for his friends, and telling great stories. He had a quick wit and a silly sense of humor that will be missed greatly. Vern was preceded in death by his parents, and all his siblings (two sisters and two brothers).
Vern is survived by his loving wife Marlys; son Steve (Brenda), Fulton, MO; daughter Caryn, Durbin, ND; three grandchildren: Briant, Waylon, Hunter; three great grandchildren: Callie, Ireland, Merida; and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Casselton Ambulance Service.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
