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Vernon Briesemeister Obituary – 5/21/2018


Vernon “Mickey” Herbert Briesemeister, age 92, of Lester Prairie, passed away peacefully Monday, May 21, 2018, at the Good Samaritan Society in Waconia.

He was born March 25, 1926, in Carver County, the son of Herbert and Verona (Wischnack) Briesemeister.

Vernon was baptized as an infant April 5, 1926, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth March 17, 1940, both by the Rev. Theodore Rolf at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in New Germany.

Vernon’s mom died when he was only 2 years old, and at that time, he and his sister moved to Grandpa and Grandma Wischnack’s farm. He received his education in rural New Germany through the eighth grade.

Vernon entered active military service in the United States Army Air Force July 10, 1944, and served his country in World War II. He received an Honorable Discharge July 6, 1946.

Vernon was united in marriage Nov. 20, 1951, to Elaine Zuehl by the Rev. R.A. Ritz at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie. Their marriage was blessed with six children: LaJean, Gary, Marjorie, Kathy, Brian, and Scott. Vernon and Elaine shared more than 66 years of marriage.

The couple made their home in Lester Prairie for 64 years before moving to Waconia in 2016.

Vernon worked at Sterner Industries as a service engineer for 38 years, retiring in 1991.

He was an active member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie. Vernon was also a member of the Lester Prairie American Legion Post 463, the Camper Club, and Senior Citizens Group. Vernon and Elaine were Honorary Senior Citizens for the Prairie Days parade in 2015.

Vernon enjoyed bowling, camping, traveling, and watching the Minnesota Twins and Gopher football games. He also loved watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren participate in all their events. Vernon treasured the time spent with friends and family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine Briesemeister of Waconia; children, LaJean Hoof and her husband, Donald, of Lester Prairie; Gary Briesemeister of Howard Lake; Marjorie Herrmann and her husband, Jerome, of Lester Prairie; Kathy Briesemeister and her husband, Brad Arnold, of St. Louis Park; and Brian Briesemeister of Lester Prairie; grandsons Ryan Hoof, Aaron Briesemeister and his wife, Hannah; Michael Herrmann and his fiancée, Becca; Cody Briesemeister, and Philip Briesemeister and his wife, Meghan; step-grandson, Dustin Schultz and his wife, Kathleen; and granddaughters Jennifer Schultz and her significant other, Ted Rein; Terri Novotny and her husband, Shannon; Rachel Ricard and her husband, Curt; Angela Herrmann, Rebecca Herrmann and her fiancé, Randy; Amber Lind and her husband, Jake; and Anna Briesemeister and her fiancé, KaCee.

Vernon is further survived by great-grandchildren Noah, Maya, Sophia, Addisyn, Avrey, Alivia, Ariel, Shiloh, Janne, Havilah, Dylan, Hayley, Colton, Cooper, Ella, Hunter, Olivia, Maci, Maverick; a sister, Lorraine Kohler of Winsted; half-sisters, LaVonne Gueningsmann and her husband, John, of Winsted; and Leana Gueningsman and her husband, Clifford, of Lester Prairie; sister-in-law Marlys Briesemeister of Lester Prairie; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Verona Briesemeister; step-mother, Lydia Briesemeister; son, Scott Briesemeister; half-brother, David Briesemeister; and half-sister, Donna Herrmann.

Funeral services took place Friday, May 25 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, with interment following at the church cemetery.

The Rev. Eric Nelson officiated at the services. The organist was Lynn Mueller. Congregational hymns included “Just As I Am,” “Be Still My Soul,” “Amazing Grace,” and “How Great Thou Art.”

Military honors were performed by Lester Prairie American Legion Post 463.

Casket bearers were Ryan Hoof, Aaron Briesemeister, Michael Herrmann, Cody Briesemeister, and Philip Briesemeister.

Honorary casket bearers were Jennifer Schultz, Terri Novotny, Rachel Ricard, Angela Herrmann, Rebecca Herrmann, Amber Lind, Anna Briesemeister, and Dustin Schultz.

Arrangements were with the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel of Lester Prairie.

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