Vern Charles

Vern Charles Johnson passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2022 in Fargo, ND. He was born on April 17, 1940 in Minot, North Dakota, to parents Robert R. Johnson and Thankful M. “Petie” Johnson. The family moved from North Dakota to Washington State during World War II, and back to North Dakota after the war.

Vern would graduate from West High School in Bremerton, WA in 1958 before returning to Minot, where he would meet and eventually marry the former Patricia Kossan on March 3, 1962. They would have three children while in Minot: a son, Cory Allen in 1962; a daughter, Deanna Lynn (Ellefson) in 1965 and another son, Andrew James in 1967.

In 1969 Vern moved his family to Washington State. They lived in Renton, Poulsbo, Bremerton and finally settle in Silverdale.

Vern was a career utility lineman, starting as an apprentice with Northern States Power in 1961, eventually becoming a journeyman in 1966. He went to work as a journeyman with Puget Sound Power & Light Co. (later Puget Sound Energy) in July 1969 and remained until his retirement as a Construction Supervisor in 2002.

After their retirement, Vern and Pat moved back to ND and built two houses: one near Douglas on Rice Lake, and another in Velva where they remained for several years before moving to Peoria, AZ to enjoy the warmer climate. In August, 2021 and until his death, the couple moved to Fargo, to be closer to family.

Vern was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother. He leaves behind his wife Patricia, his son Cory (Margo), daughter Deanna (Roger) and son Andrew. In addition, he leaves behind his two grandchildren and their spouses: Hailee (Jake) and Mitchell (Jessica), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Private Services: Thursday, November 17, 2022 in West Funeral Home, West Fargo

Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery, Velva, ND, Spring 2023

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center – westfuneralhome.com