Vern Foland

Vern Foland, age 94, of Midland, South Dakota, died on Monday, January 14, 2019 at the Philip Nursing Home.
 
Vern Kenneth Foland was born February 20, 1924 in Pierre, South Dakota to Otis, Sr. and Mary (Willoughby) Foland, the oldest of three sons. He attended the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and returned to the farm/ranch north of Ottumwa where he lived for the remainder of his life until retiring in Philip in 2003. He married Carrol Thorson Anderson on September 20, 1953. To this union were born four children.

Vern was an independent, sharp and astute farmer and businessman. He was compassionate and would help others. He enjoyed talking and joking with people he encountered and loved to dance and travel. He always was looking for a better way to make or improve anything.

Vern was active in county and local organizations. He served on the Haakon County Commissioners and the Haakon Independent School Board for several terms. He was involved in the Haakon County Conservation District, serving on their board. He was proud that in 2007, the Foland Farm was presented with the Century Farm Award by the SD Farm Bureau Federation at the SD State Fair.

Vern wanted to be a Mason his entire life and enjoyed 73 years in the Masonic Lodge. On his 21st birthday he presented his petition to his father, Otis to join the Lodge. He was a 32nd degree Mason and past-Master of the Midland Lodge. He was a member of the NAJA Shriners and the Scottish Rite Freemasonry. He and Carrol enjoyed traveling and camping with the Shriners traveling group over the years.

Vern and Carrol traveled throughout the United States starting in their 50s. During the winter they frequently traveled to Hemet, California to stay near their two youngest daughters and Yuma, AZ. But they also drove their RV across the southern US visiting friends and relatives. They took bus trips and went as far north as Alaska.

Vern is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carrol; son, Mark (Karen) Foland; daughters, Kay Foland, Mary (Creighton Tevlin) Foland, and Judy (Wayne Yanda) Foland, and sons, Robert (Sandy) Anderson, and James (Kayleen) Anderson. He is also survived by his brother, Tech (Ann) Foland; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Otis, Jr., daughter-in-law, Dianne Anderson, granddaughter, Sharon Ellwein; and a great-grandson, Dalles Brucklacher.

A memorial is established to the NAJA Shriner's Hospital Traveler's fund.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at the First Lutheran Church in Philip with Pastor Cindy Bisser officiating.

Interment with Masonic rites were held at the Masonic Cemetery.
 
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.

The Pioneer Review

221 E. Oak Street
Philip, SD 57567
Telephone: (605) 859-2516
E Mail: ads@pioneer-review.com

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