February 26, 1930 – Friday, September 5, 2008

Service Information
The Peterson Chapel Buffalo Funeral Home
Saturday, September 13, 2008
10:00 AM

Visitation Information

Vernon Ralph Holland, age 78, of Clear Lake, formerly of Buffalo, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2008 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Vernon Ralph Holland was born on February 26, 1930 in Rockford Township, Wright County, the son of Ralph B. and Maggie (Barth) Holland. His family moved to a farm in Princeton where they farmed for many years. He left at an early age and headed to Montana where he worked for several ranchers, then Uncle Sam called and he served his country during the Korean War (1951-1953). He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #7664, Maple Lake, MN and joined the American Legion Post #323, Clearwater, MN a couple of years ago. On September 4, 1965, Vernon was joined in marriage to Janice (Endres) Holland in Buffalo, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Luella Swenson in 2000.

Vernon is survived by his loving wife, Janice of 43 years; daughter, Linda Tolifson and son, Alan (Susie) Holland, both of Cyrus, MN. Five grandchildren: Warren (Heidi) Logeais, of Cyrus, MN, Wade (Tabitha) Logeais of Dallas, NC, Chelsey Logeais of Annandale, MN, Stacy Holland of Fort Meyer, FL and Steven Holland of Cyrus, MN, four great-grandchildren, Sydney Logeais of Cyrus, MN, Brian and Hunter Logeais of Dallas, NC, and Nevaeh Halverson of Annandale, MN and a 5th great-grandchild due the end of October. Two brothers: Roger (Donna) Holland of Milaca, MN, and James (Shirlene) Holland of Little Rock, AR; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends, including a very special couple, Tom and Mary Stang, who helped Janice as caregivers.

Vern worked for Vic Corron Construction as a heavy equipment operator and then was an over-the-road semi-tractor/trailer owner/operator for 49 years. He loved that very much and traveled many of the states. He most loved running out west. He leased his services to many companies, some of which were: Bjorklund Trucking, Rock Island Railroad, Sammons Trucking, Glacier Carriers, Rautio Trucking, to name a few. The one he loved most, his last ten years of his driving career, was with T.J. Potter Trucking of Becker, MN. He enjoyed horseback riding. He had such a love for horses. When he was little, he wasn’t tall enough to climb up on a horse, but he sure figured out how to get up on the horse, using a fence post. Another thing he enjoyed was going to Montana, deer hunting. He didn’t have to do much to get the deer. His truck driver buddy, a very dear friend, Jeff Bain, made sure of that. In all the years Vern hunted in Montana, he never once had to gut the deer. He spent his winters in Mesa, AZ since January of 1997, where he made many good friends. The winter was kept busy playing many different card games within the club, and with outside friends too. He especially loved shooting pool. Like everyone else, it’s fun when you beat the other. His wife was a pretty good challenge for him and he wasn’t always the winner. He always kept busy and did a lot of reading (strictly Western paperbacks). After finally giving up driving in 2002, he sold his place of 35 years (east of Maple Lake) and moved to a beautiful seasonal park on the Mississippi River (between Clearwater and Clear Lake), at a place called the “Travelers Country Club on the Mississippi”, with a nine hole golf course. He loved golfing and looked forward to every day to get out and get a round of golf in with his buddies. He never was in a hurry, and soon acquired the nickname of “quick-shot” by his golfing friends. He would just walk up to the ball and hit it. His friends got such a kick out of that.

Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at The Peterson Chapel – Buffalo Funeral Home. Friends may gather one hour prior to the services.

Inurnment with military rites will be at St. Francis Cemetery in Buffalo.