Vernon Abel - 86, formally of Stephen, MN, died in Tucson , AZ on February 10, 2008. Vernon Abel was born on December 16, 1921 in Hallock, MN, the son of William and Elna (Tranberg) Abel. He was raised in the Hallock, Drayton, ND and Piney, Manitoba, Canada. He attended county school. Vernon served in the US Navy Seabees during World War II in the Pacific Theatre as well as the occupation force in Japan after the dropping of the atomic bomb. After his discharge he married Florence Price on October 22, 1946. They were life long residents of Stephen but for the last 8 years they made their home in Tucson. Vernon was a farmer for over 50 years. Florence died on January 5, 2008.

He was a member of the St. Stephen’s Church, Knights of Columbus, Stephen American Legion Post #390 and Kennedy VFW Post #3828 .

Vernon had a true passion for farming and he loved everything about it. He enjoyed traveling with his wife to visit family and friends. Vernon enjoyed outdoor sports including fishing and camping. He was a kind person and always tried to do the right thing.

Vernon is survived by daughters: Marilyn Abel, Kathy (Manual) Moreno, Bernie (Larry) Zahara all of Tucson, AZ and Maria Stockwell of San Diego, CA; sons: Jerome of Crookston, MN, John (Karen) of Tucson, AZ and Courtney (Bernie) of Stephen, MN, sister, Verna Lou (Ray) Orendorf of Nanticoke, MD, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Kenneth and Rose Marie Price of Stephen, MN, fifteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, great-grandsons, Cory Moreno and Jayson William Gratzek, brother-in-law, Ray Price, sister-in-law, Bonnie Pollard, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Alvina and Ernie Kranz.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 10:00 AM on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at St. Stephen’s Church in Stephen, MN. VISITATION: 9:00 AM with 9:30 AM Rosary on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at St. Stephen’s Church in Stephen, MN. INTERMENT: St. Stephen Cemetery, Stephen, MN.