Vernon Holmquist 79, of Clarissa died on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at the Long Prairie Memorial Hospital.  Funeral services for Vernon were held on Saturday, December 13, 2008, 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Clarissa, interment was at Woodman Cemetery. 

Vernon was born on December 24, 1928, in Iona Township, Todd County, to Frank & Edith (Lundstrom) Holmquist.  He was the 5th child of 6 children:  brother Marvin, twins:  Lois & Doris, sister Elsie “Vickie” and Donna “Scooty”.  He attended country school in Iona Township his first six years and one year in Los Angeles.  Vernon graduated from Clarissa Public School in 1946.  He met “his” Donna in 1949 and was married on November 12, 1951, at the United Methodist Church in Clarissa.  From this union five children were born, Steven, Colleen, infant Peter “deceased”, Eric and Paul.  Vernon was drafted into the Army on May 16, 1952, and served his country in the Korean War.  He was lifelong resident of Iona Township and the Clarissa community.  Vernon farmed for many years, owned and operated Clarissa Hardware Store and was the City Clerk until his retirement.  Vernon was a member of the Clarissa Legion Post 213, and he served on many boards over his lifetime.  Vernon was a lifelong member of Clarissa United Methodist Church and also did some lay speaking. 

Vernon is survived by his wife Donna, sister Donna “Scooty” Lunemann, Steve (Peggy)

Colleen (Duane), Eric (Karen), Paul (Amy), 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  He loved life and lived it well until his health left him.  Vernon adored “his” Donna and called her his sparrow and he was the “Hawk”.  Vernon loved being home with her. 

Vernon is preceded in death by: Parents Frank and Edith, Marvin, Lois, Doris, Elise and infant Peter