Vernon Zelmer

Vernon Rollen Zelmer, 83, Bismarck, died March 27, 2017, at Sanford Health, Bismarck. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, April 1, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with Rev. Arland Dwelle officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Friday, March 31, at Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck, where a prayer service will begin at 6:00 pm. Burial with military honors will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. Vernon was born July 19, 1933, the son of John and Mary (Hochhalter) Zelmer. He grew up on a farm and was educated in the Regan area. In 1953 he entered the U.S. Army spending most of his time in France, until 1955. After his discharge he returned to the farm to help neighbors with harvest. In the fall of 1955, Vern moved to Bismarck. He worked at Merle’s Garage and the Sweetheart Bakery (later known as Interstate Brands). He retired from Interstate Brands after 34 years of service. On August 18, 1956, he married Evelyn Johnson and together they had one daughter, Cheryl. They were blessed with three grandsons that were very much a part of their lives. All of the grandsons were sports minded, therefore, many hours were spent watching them play baseball as they grew up. Vern loved tinkering with motors and some woodworking, and of course his yard had to be kept in tip-top shape. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Evelyn; one daughter, Cheri (Don) Wenzel, Bismarck; two grandsons, Chad (Rachel) Wenzel, Rapid City, SD, and Dustin Wenzel, Bismarck; two great-granddaughters, Maci and Brooklyn Wenzel; one sister, Sharon Roth, Bismarck; brother-in-laws and sister-in law, Penny Hojian (Bismarck), Phillip and Dorothy Johnson, Mesa, AZ; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Zelmer; grandson, Christopher Wenzel; sisters, Doris Crane, Elaine Savenko, Lorraine Hojian; and one brother, Theophil Zelmer.