Vernon H. Rollag

Vernon H. Rollag, 93, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, January 16, 2014, at his home.

He was born March 14, 1920, in Grygla, Minnesota of Marshall County, the son of Andrew and Alma (Halverson) Rollag. When he was ten, his family purchased a farm in Maine Towsnship, rural Underwood. He grew up and attended country school in Maine Township and also worked on the family farm. On October 18, 1941, Vernon was united in marriage to Violet Dess at the Sverdrup Lutheran Church Parsonage in Underwood.

On September 11, 1942, Vernon enlisted into the United States Army serving for three years. He served during WWII in the European Theater and fought in the Battle of the Bulge, ranking as Private First Class. Vernon was wounded twice and received two purple hearts. He was a POW in Belgium and was liberated on Christmas Eve and honorably discharged from the military in 1945.

Upon his military discharge, he returned to Maine Township until 1951, when the family moved to Fergus Falls. He was employed at Wilshusen Motor Company, a Hudson and Studebaker dealership, as a mechanic. In 1960 Vern opened his own auto repair business out of a shop he built behind his house. He operated his business for 22 years, retiring in 1982. He had a great reputation for his honesty and workmanship and in return, had very loyal customers.

He was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church, and also a lifetime member of the VFW and DAV (Disabled American Veterans). In his early years, he enjoyed stock car racing. Vernon enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, he was an avid fisherman, and in his later years, enjoyed woodworking.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Violet; five brothers, Arnold Rollag, Norman Rollag, Kenneth Rollag, Earl Rollag and Donald Rollag; two sisters, Eunice Schutte and Darlene Drechsel.

Survivors include his three sons: James (Judy) Rollag of Annandale, MN, Daryl (Nancy) Rollag of Stacy, MN, and Jerry (Margaret) Rollag of Garfield, MN; eight grandchildren: Craig (Robbin), Scott (Trisha) Kevin, Troy, Brian, Christopher (Hattie), Kimberly (Mike), and Daniel (Natalie); and twelve great-grandchildren: Aaron, Joshua, Kelsey, Tanner, Austin, Grace, Jacob, Jonathon, Cassie, Blake, Isabella and Dakota; great-great granddaughter, Sabrina; sister, Fern Emery of Minneapolis; also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.


Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2014 at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Augustana Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Paul Nelson
Interment: Tingvold Cemetery, rural Underwood
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls