Vernon "Vern" DeWayne Stolz

Vernon “Vern” DeWayne Stolz, 78, Bismarck, ND, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2018, at home with family by his side. Vernon was born at home on May 9, 1939 in Lehr, ND, the son of John and Mollie (Miller) Stolz. He grew up and attended school in Lehr. He played Center position on the Lehr High School basketball team and was an outstanding player. He met his future wife, Vivian Nitschke, after her family moved to Lehr from Henry, SD and they were married on March 5, 1958 in Lehr. Vernon enlisted in the US Army National Guard of North Dakota in May 1956 and then served in the US Navy. He commenced naval training in December 1957 at the US Naval Training Center in San Diego, CA, completing training in February 1958. He served as a Boiler Tech and was on the USS Bennington until November 1959. He then served on the USS Coral Sea in 1960-61 during the Western Pacific Cruise and during the Coral Sea's Far East Cruise from 1961-62. In June 1962, Vernon interviewed as a candidate for a position with the Bismarck Fire Dept. and was hired as a Fireman on July 1, 1962. He decided to take a break from his career as a firefighter in February 1964 while the family lived in Sterling, ND. He went back to work as a fireman in November 1966 after the family moved to Bismarck. He retired as a Lieutenant on August 31, 2001 after 37 years of service. Since he was well known as a terrific cook, he prepared many meals for his crew at the firehall. Many recipes were of his own creation. He became interested in flying and in April 1971 became certified as a private pilot. His greatest passion was fishing. Vernon and Vivian hosted many fish fries over the years for family and friends and Vern was well known for his walleye. He enjoyed teaching others to fish and took many friends to his favorite fishing spots. He caught many record fish over the years and served as a guide for a local fishing tournament. He will be remembered for his story telling, quick wit, love of the outdoors and lending a hand to anyone who needed it. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and beloved dog, Bridget, who was constantly by his side during his illness. He is survived by his daughters, Wanda (Larry) Holte, Bismarck, Vicki (Jeffrey Millar) Stolz, Fisher, MN, Desri (Michael) Murray, Ft. Lupton, CO, Ginger Stolz, Bismarck, and son, Shane (Sharon), Bismarck; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; brother, Allen (Jane Mueller) Stolz, Enderlin, ND; sisters, Margaret Miller, Fargo and Lorrie (Cleo) Schnabel, Mandan; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; brothers, Theodore, Milton, Robert and Jack; sister, Illa (Oscar) Miller; and infant grandson, Justin Stolz. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. The Stolz family will have a Celebration of Life Memorial at the Bismarck AmVets starting with lunch at noon and a ceremony at 1:00 pm on June 16, 2018. In Memoriam donations can be made to Service Dogs for America, PO Box 513, Jud, ND 58454 – www.servicedogsforamerica.org