Vernard Lee Brown
Vernard Lee Brown, age 95 of Morris, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 5, 2026, at Skyview Plaza, surrounded by his family.
Visitation for Vern Brown will be held Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, MN.
Visitation will continue from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Monday. February 16, 2026, at the Morris Evangelical Free Church in Morris, MN.
Funeral services for Vernard L. Brown will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Morris Evangelical Free Church in Morris, MN, with Pastor Hector Franco officiating.
Burial will be held at a late date in the Spring in Summit Cemetery in Morris, MN.
Vern was born on March 20, 1930, one of eight children, to Erscel and Helen (Brown) Brown on a farm near Hancock, MN. Vern attended high school in Hancock, where he excelled in his studies and met the love of his life, Barbara Schmidgall. The two were married in December of 1950 and together, they were blessed with five children: Kathy, Gary, LeAnn, Dale, and Mark. In 1963, the couple settled in Morris where Vern began working on the maintenance staff at the University of Minnesota, Morris. Having grown up on a farm, Vern was no stranger to hard work and eventually moved up to the position of Director of General Services, until his retirement in 1996. While work was an important part of Vern’s life, even more important to him was family, plus always staying active and busy.
Vern had the mind of an engineer and needed to understand the “how’s” and “why’s” of everything. He was a man of significant intelligence, able to fit a square peg into a round hole. Besides this he was a calm, gentle, nurturing man to both family and friends. He was sought out by many for his guidance, always listening calmly, often sharing his personal experiences, and humbly offering support and advice.
Vern leaves behind many cherished memories in the hearts of his family and friends; such as the week-long vacations at Alexandria lake cabins, trips to Branson, and being present for his grandchildren’s activities and milestones. He and Barb hosted many elaborate holiday gatherings where the table was filled with food and everyone felt welcomed and cherished. Vern and Barb took on many home remodeling projects which utilized his vast carpentry and handyman skills and problem-solving abilities. Vern was also a man of great faith; he loved studying the Bible and enjoyed volunteering at the Evangelical Free church where he assisted with the sound system, pitched in on special events, and served as a Deacon.
While Vern may no longer be physically on this earth to guide his family and friends, he leaves behind the legacy of his example: respectfulness, kindness, patience, humility and faith.
Vern’s wife, Barb, passed away in February of 2024 and Vern remained at Skyview until his passing where both were loved by staff and residents. We find peace in knowing Vern and Barb have been reunited and just as they walked through life together, the couple’s remains will be laid to rest at the same time at Summit cemetery in Morris at a later date in the Spring.
Survived by his children: Kathy Brown (Judd Nelson) of Wayzata, MN, Gary (Julene) Brown of Fargo, North Dakota, LeAnn (Jermaine) McGee of Brooklyn Park, MN, Dale (Michelle) Brown of Normal, IL, Mark (Tami) Brown of Minnetrista, MN; twelve grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; siblings: Don Brown, Carol Lundebrek, Janice Swenson, Lorraine Hansen, and LuVerne Brown; brother and sister-in-law’s; as well as many other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Barbara Brown; his parents Erscel and Helen; brothers: LeRoy and Raymond; and numerous other family members.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation made in honor of Vernard to Skyview Plaza, to Vivie Hospice or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are with Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, MN.
