Sauk Rapids, MN
     Vernon N. Perkins, 98, a longtime resident of Worthington, MN, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2013, at the Good Shepherd Community Home, Sauk Rapids, MN, after a short illness.
     Vernon was born June 8, 1915 in Chatsworth, IL to Gilbert and Amelia (Berlet) Perkins. He married Gladys Ling on February 6, 1939 in Worthington. While farming north of Worthington, they raised four daughters before retiring and moving to town and building their home in 1978. They lived there happily until Gladys suffered through a long illness, passing away in 1990.
     After joining a singles support group, he met and later married Michele (Mickie) Siemer. They were together for twenty years. Following her death in 2011, Vernon moved to the St. Cloud area to be near his daughters.
     Vernon enjoyed fishing, pheasant hunting, watching baseball and football, playing cards, woodworking, music and especially traveling with family and friends.
     Vernon was an active longtime member of the United Methodist Church including Superintendent of Sunday School and active in Friendship Class.
     Vernon will be remembered for his quick wit and good humor and gentle, kind spirit.
     Vernon is survived by his four daughters, Janice Paulsen (Jim) of Nipoma, CA, Dorothy Lee (Jim) of St. Cloud, MN, Judy Ibis (Rod) of Eden Prairie, MN, and Sylvia Perkins of Lake Forest, CA; grandchildren, Patty Esteban, Jeff Paulsen, Melissa Lindsey, Jon Lee, Jen Vick, Dave Ibis, and Mike Ibis; seventeen great grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.
     He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Gladys and second wife, Michele, one brother, Wallace, and two sisters, Alta Hansen and Mae Apel.
     A celebration of Vernon’s life will be held on Friday, September 27, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Worthington, MN, with Rev. Dr. Daren Flinck officiating. Pall bearers will be Jeffrey Paulsen, Jon Lee, David Ibis, Patricia Esteban, Melissa Lindsey, and Jennifer Vick. Burial will be in the Worthington Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 27, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church in Worthington.
The family would like to thank the staff of Prairie Ridge Home and Good Shepherd Community Home in Sauk Rapids, MN for the loving care Vern received.
Benson Funeral Home in Worthington is in charge of the arrangements.
