Vernon W. Fristad, 52

Vernon “Vern” Wesley Fristad passed away on February 5, 2023, at Essentia Hospital/St. Lukes in Duluth, MN at the age of 52. During that day, several family members were at his bed side to express their love for him and to say their final goodbye.

Vernon was born on June 27, 1970, in Minneapolis, MN to Vernon C. Fristad and Lorna (Stout) Fristad. He was baptized at the Wabanica Lutheran Church in Baudette, MN. Vern grew up in Anoka, MN, and graduated from Anoka High School in 1989. After graduating, he found employment with a security company and worked as a security guard for the next 20 years in the Minneapolis/St.Paul area. A work injury brought him to Baudette, MN, more specifically the Carp area, where his father was living at that time. Vern found another opportunity in security and worked for a company where he was mainly stationed at Marvin Windows and Doors in Warroad, MN. He worked for several years in this career until he began having numerous health issues. He was a very dedicated employee working various shifts as needed, driving through turbulent weather and he rarely missed any days of work over those years.

Vern's biggest passion and joy was cooking. He attended culinary school for a period of time. He loved to experiment and had no fear of using exotic seasonings, herbs and hot sauces while concocting delicious soups, marinades and dips. He also took great pride in preparing quality meats to perfection. You could always count on him to whip up a pie with ease to bring to family functions. Vern never cooked a small pot of anything; always making sure he had plenty to share with the neighbors.

Vern enjoyed deer and partridge hunting. When he was younger, he would accompany his father to Baudette every fall to hunt with family and friends. At that time, the hunting gang would meet at what is referred to as "The Meadows". At the end of a long open field there stood a large spruce tree, behind which Vern used as his posting site. Although this tree has since been cut down, a stump remains and his family will always refer to it as the "Vernie Tree.”

Collecting coins and going to car and gun shows were also a couple of Vern’s hobbies. He enjoyed fishing when he had the chance and looked forward to those occasions when his nephews would come "Up North".

Vern had two special canines during his lifetime. He initially had Adak and then Keno later joined him at the hip. Both were a German shepherd/wolf mix and were very loyal companions to Vern.

He is survived by several half-brothers and sisters: Wesley (Maureen) Johnson, Wetherford, Texas; Arlan (Susie) Johnson, St. Francis, MN; Keith (Dawn) Johnson, Brooklyn Park, MN; Larry Johnson, Baudette, MN; Sherry (Chris) Buchta, Clear Lake, MN; Sharleen Paulson, Cambridge, MN; and Becky Gile, Ramsey, MN. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and two aunts, Karen (Ron) Streed, Baudette, MN, Grace Harlow, Bemidji, MN and now uncle, Ervin (Cheryl) Fristad, Crystal, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon C. and Lorna Fristad, grandparents, Adolph and Veranna Fristad; Leslie and Elsie Stout, and many aunts and uncles.

Vernon will be laid to rest with a private graveside service and burial to be held at Elm Park Cemetery in June.