VERN E. LOEHR

Vern E. Loehr, 87 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Thursday morning, February 21, 2019 at the Odd Fellows Home, Devils Lake.

Vern Eugene Loehr was born on September 14, 1931 in Starkweather, North Dakota to Elmer and Thelma (Berg) Loehr. He was the youngest of four siblings.

Vern played basketball in high school, where he earned his nickname, “Bucket” that followed him throughout his life. Upon graduating from Starkweather High School, Vern entered the United States Navy and served from September of 1950 to June of 1954 aboard the USS Oriskany (CV-34).

He married Caryl Lee of Devils Lake in June 1956. They resided in Devils Lake where they raised three children, Craig, Connie and Jeff.

Vern worked various jobs throughout his life before acquiring Vern’s Standard on Highway 2 East. After a lengthy career owning and working in the oil and gas business, he started his next career at Sweetwater Elementary where he worked as a Custodian for over 20 years. Vern was always beloved by his customers and later by the many students and staff of Sweetwater Elementary. Known by students of many generations, he was a favorite face at the school.

He was a lifetime member of the Devils Lake Elks Lodge, recently celebrating his 60^th year of membership. He was also active in curling for many years. He was active in church life, and one of the founding members of Peace Lutheran Church in 1987.

Vern loved to garden, birdwatch and feed the birds. He was known for his excellent tomatoes.

With a smile on his face, he was always quick to extend an invitation for coffee and cookies. Vern was always an easy-going, kind person until his last day on earth.

He is survived by his brother James Loehr of Wilmar, ND and his sister, Diane Riando of Anaheim, California; his daughter, Connie Halgren (Nels Halgren) of Devils Lake and his son Jeff Loehr (Pamela Loehr) of Fargo, ND and his daughter-in-law, Renee Loehr of Moorhead, MN and his grandchildren, Dr. Brooke Bodeen (Dusty Bodeen) of Portland, Oregon; Nathan Loehr (Shannon) of Brookings, SD; Eric Loehr (Nicole) of Maple Grove, MN and Meghan Loehr of Moorhead, MN and along with ten great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Thelma; his brother, Lloyd Loehr of Gresham, OR; his wife, Caryl; his son, Craig and his grand-daughter, Chelsey Halgren.

Funeral Services for Vern will be held on Monday, February 25, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Lyle Belleque officiating.  Burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team-Navy.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Sunday, February 24^th from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and will continue at the church on Monday one hour prior to the funeral service.