Vernon Waage

Vernon Waage, 70, of Greenbush, MN, died Thursday, November 24, 2011 at his home in Greenbush.

Vernon Lenus Waage, the son of Olaf & Louise (Vacura) Waage, was born August 31, 1941 in Roseau County, rural Greenbush, MN. He grew up at Greenbush and graduated from Greenbush High School, Class of 1959. Vernon married Ardith Forst on June 20, 1959 at Badger, MN. While in his teens, Vernon started working with his father Olaf and Uncle Selmer Waage in the logging and lumber business. He also worked for Polaris for a few years. In 1971 he started Waage Construction, building pole buildings. In 1997, he sold the business to his boys and semi-retired, still showing up for work and instructing them to “Lead, Follow, or get out of the way.”

Vernon was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was a member of United Free Lutheran Church of Greenbush. He loved to spend time outdoors. He enjoyed being with family and friends at the A-frame and teaching his grandchildren the art of hunting deer. He spent a lot of time working in his garden, even growing wildflowers. He liked his football and his favorite NASCAR driver was Tony Stewart.

He is survived by his wife—Ardith.

Children—Kevin, and wife Sherri Waage of Greenbush,

Scott, and wife Becky Waage of Greenbush,

Doreen, and husband Sandy McFarlane of Greenbush

and Kurt Waage of Greenbush.

7 Grandchildren—Amber, Tyler, Mallory, Allison, Walker, Ashton & Tessa.

3 Great-Granddaughters—Katie Rose, Alyssa & Alyxxa.

2 Sisters—Thilda, and husband Leonard Janousek of Greenbush and Clarice, and husband Gerald Burkel of Greenbush.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son—Alan and brother—Danny.

Funeral Service were held on Sunday, November 27, 2011 in United Free Lutheran Church of Greenbush with Pastor LeRoy Petersen, officiating. Robin Waage was the organist and Arlene Jenson was the vocalist. Casket Bearers were Jerry Maxwell, Charles Jenson, Edward Dallager and Basil Emery. Honorary Pallbearers were Vernon's grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Interment was in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Greenbush with Gieseke Funeral Chapel of Greenbush in charge of arrangements.