Vernie Peterson

Vernie “Vern” Anton Peterson II, aka Bub passed away June 3rd, 2024, due to heart complications at age of 54. 

Vern was born on May 22nd, 1970, in Bismarck, North Dakota. He attended Simle Middle School and graduated from Bismarck High School in 1989. 

Vern had a tremendous relationship with his Grandparents – Vernie & Elizabeth Peterson. He learned to fish, collect rocks, the great joys of gardening and how to camp from his grandpa. His Grandma cooked for him “like a King” daily. They were avid antique collectors that taught Vern the joy of comic book collecting and the value of antiques. His Grandpa instilled the joy of shore-line fishing for walleye and taught him well. Vern knew how to cook a scrumptious walleye meal! He continued rock collecting and collecting antiques into adulthood. 

As a young man, Vern had three special pets – Panda was his most faithful companion and was known to go everywhere with Vern. Boots and Mama Kitty were his other long time family members that he treasured.

Vern’s love of sports began with his family. He was an accomplished High School Wrestler for the Bismarck Demons. Vern took immense pride in his High School Wrestling career and the records he achieved. He was known to have been a great adversary in a wrestling match and loved his team. Vern was undefeated in his Senior Year and his record remains on the Wall at BHS. 

Vern was a HUGE Atlanta Braves fan and a Buffalo Bills fan. He in recent years became dedicated to collecting Memorabilia Sports Cards. For many years, Vern has had a deep respect for old westerns and had a special affinity for John Wayne. Along with that love of history – Vern was obsessed with anything that had to do with World War II. It didn’t matter if it was books, magazines, movies, games, or video games – he was fascinated with the subject. 

In the Autumn of 1999, Vern and Shelly moved into their 1st home together on 16th street where they shared many memories raising Amanda and the many pets they owned. On September 27th, 2008, Vern married his best friend, Shelly Fetter where they danced to Waylon Jennings, “Come With Me.” Into this union, Vern became Amanda’s dad, but most importantly her hero. For many years when Amanda was small, Vern would attend events with Amanda like Donuts for Dads at her school. He pushed Amanda to be better at everything she did – but was honest and said Amanda was terrible at sports! Vern taught Amanda how to drive, defend herself and the value of family. He was the dad she had not had and had always wanted. 

Many people knew that Vern loved to sing and loved music. His favorites were AC/DC, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Iron Maiden, but he took great pleasure in singing “Family Tradition” by Hank Williams Jr. His ultimate favorite was Waylon Jennings. Vern & Shelly shared a joy for music and attending concerts. Vern introduced Shelly to many country music artists. They both loved Big & Rich and attended their concerts whenever possible. Amanda’s very first concert was shared with Vern when he took her to see Lynyrd Skynyrd. Vern would make up song lyrics about squirrels, sing them and make Amanda laugh and laugh.

Over the years, Vern would attend the Sturgis Rally – taking in concerts and shows. Vern attended this event over the years with many friends where he created unforgettable memories that he continued to talk about long after the Sturgis Rally was over. 

In 2012, Vern became a grandpa to Spencer, where Vern instantly fell in love with him giving him his first bath. When Spencer was born, his Papa Bear (Vern) started collecting bears as Spencer called him his Papa and later called him Pops. Vern made sure to have one little bear with every big bear he collected and scattered them throughout the house. 

Vern carried on family tradition by teaching Spencer all about shore-line fishing, camping, gardening and Vern’s deep love of animals. Spencer was Vern’s world and they shared hours of watching old Looney Tunes & Scooby-Doo cartoons and laughing at goofy jokes. Vern had a very distinct whistle and could call the family together with “just a whistle”. Vern taught Spencer how to cook eggs and to love eating diverse types of food. Vern and Spencer spent a lot of time playing PlayStation games together. Vern was looking forward to teaching Spencer about how to do yard work, having a job and becoming a young man. 

Every Friday night became Family Fun Night where they would watch movies or shows that were about family; from Little House on the Prairie, The Andy Griffith Show to The Godfather and Step Brothers. Along with playing old board games like Life, Monopoly, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, and Clue together. As Spencer got older and his friends came to the house – they developed game nights to play with all the kids. 

Vern was a jokester and took great pleasure in making people laugh and how to lighten the moment. Those that knew Vern well – know he liked to party in his younger years – but we won’t go there! He had a profound sense of humor, and he shared a lot of memories with you all. 

Vern is survived by his loving wife, Shelly, daughter Amanda, and grandson Spencer; Cousin Ron Hogue, his dogs Bear & Bandit, his cats Ravin and Reign. 

Vern will be missed by many. 

Celebration of Life to be held at a future date please contribute funds to our gofundme at https://gofund.me/156cf0e3.