Vernon "Ixxie" Michael Theisen

July 20, 1929 - October 16, 2021

Passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side on October 16, 2021. Vern was born on July 20, 1929 to Ignatius and Mary Theisen, and was the oldest son of 11 children born and raised in Cold Spring, MN. Vern is proceeded in death by his parents and eight of his siblings.

Vern served two tours of duty in the Army from 1947-1948 in the Hawaiian Islands, and from 1950-1951 in the Korean War, after which he was awarded the Bronze Star. In 1952 he married his lifetime love, Irma Ramler, and they settled in Lauderdale, MN to start their family. Vern spent 46 years of his life working in the grain business for GTA (Grain Terminal Association), General Mills, Kurth Malting, and ADM (Archer Daniel Midland), from where he retired in 1996. His employment provided the opportunity to live in various cities including Lauderdale, Windom, and Albert Lea, MN; Fargo, ND; and Roseville, MN, where he was a longtime resident of over 50 years.

Vern was always active in volunteer work through the community or church. These included the Lauderdale Civic Club, Boy Scouts, coaching, Meals on Wheels, St. Odilia Church, and the Roseville “Run for the Roses” race. His passions were hunting, golfing, and spending time traveling and visiting his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Vern was a kind, generous man who was always eager to help others.  His infectious smile, quick-witted humor, desire to help others, and his devotion to family and friends, are just a few of the traits that made him such a wonderful man whom we will remember lovingly. He always said he had such a wonderful life and that he was truly blessed. We too were blessed to have known him.

Vern is survived by his wife of 69 years, Irma; children Jeanne (Dan) Schmidt, Gary (Erin O’Leary), Janet (Mike) Wirtz, Dale (Joy), and Mike (Susan McGovern); 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; sisters Mary Jane Sventek and Dorothy Watzl; and many nieces and nephews.