Vern Richardson was born on September 28, 1929 in Hannaford North Dakota to Roy and Clara (Jordet) Richardson. He was reared in Hannaford and graduated from Hannaford High School in 1950. As a high school student, he began his career working summers for the Great Northern Railroad as a brakeman. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He received his basic training at Fort Ord California following two years of service with an honorable discharge in 1952. He returned to his career with the railroad as a brakeman/conductor for a total of 47 years, retiring in 1994 from the BNSF railroad. Vern was united in marriage with Marlys A. McCullough on July 17, 1955 in Fargo. They made their home in Minot where they brought 5 children into their lives. Marlys pasted away on November 29, 1998.

Many summer weekends were spent at the family lake cabin at Parshall Bay on Lake Sakakawea. Vern was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, the United Transportation Union (UTU) as well as the American Legion Post, VFW, Moose Lodge and Eagles Aerie all in Minot. He especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, World of Outlaws Racing and his favorite driver was Minot's Donny Schatz. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Vern is survived by his children: Candace Richardson, Scott Richardson, Randy Richardson and Penny (Keith) Theusch all of Minot and Debra (Dean) Schmeets of Harvey; ten grandchildren: Onida Benjaminson, Kellie Schmeets (Sean Garcia), Sara, Amber, Brittanie, Elizabeth and Joshua Schmeets; Chelsey, Breanna and David Theusch; five great grandchildren: Jacob Reimche, Emma Green, Noah Garcia, Kaden Leverson and Camden Rust; sisters: Jeanette (Ray) Arbuckle of Jamestown and Carol Mae Hagebock of Valley City and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marlys, sister Lila Andersen and brothers Kenneth and Willard Richardson.

Funeral Service: Friday, February 20, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in Christ Lutheran Church Minot
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park Minot.
Visitation: Thursday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home Minot.
Memorials: Memorials are preferred to the American Diabetes Association.