Vernon Leon Pietsch, 66, rural Minot died on Tuesday, February 5, 2013 from cancer in his home surrounded by his loving family.

Vernon was born on July 16, 1946 in Minot to Leonard and Thelma (Bjelland) Pietsch. He was raised in Minot and graduated from Minot Model High School in 1964. As a young adult he was employed at Tractor Supply Company.

Vernon married Nancy Iverson on February 18, 1969 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Minot. They made their home on the Pietsch family farm. Vernon was employed as an ironworker for many years and was proud of his work on the Falkirk Gasification Plant, prior to working at Pietsch Sign Company as an advertising sign fabricator. He continued working in this capacity when the company was sold to Bacon Sign Company (now Indigo Signworks). Vernon had been struggling with his health for the past year. During this time he and Nancy were blessed with the loving care and concern of Vernon's sisters-in-law, Sarah and Cheryl, who spent numerous days transporting and caring for the two of them on their trips to and from Rochester, MN and in their home.

Vernon was a member of the Ironworkers Local Union, Moose Lodge and Minot Gun Club where he was a league shooter for many years and at one time was a Roughrider Trap Shooting Champion. He especially enjoyed fishing, hunting and trap shooting.

Vernon's loving family includes his wife of 43 years Nancy; children: Carrie (Marty) Powell of Gardiner MT and Richard (Beth) Pietsch of Minot; grandchildren: Ethan and Lanie Powell and Evie and Eli Pietsch; father: Leonard Pietsch of Minot; siblings: Christine (Jim) Graves of Federal Way WA and Dale (Brenda) Pietsch of Minot; sisters-in-law: Sandra Iverson of Orlando FL, Cheryl (David) Christenson of Alexandria MN, Donna Bjelland and Maggie Hulberg both of Minot and Sarah (Tom) Fuller of Bismarck and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Vernon was preceded in death by his mother Thelma, and grandparents.

Celebration of the Life of Vernon Pietsch: Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in Saron Lutheran Church Minot.
Visitation: Friday from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home Minot.