Verlin Ireland

Verlin Ireland, formerly of Dawson, died Thursday, July 11, 2024 in St. George, UT, after a short illness, at the age of 84.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Lac qui Parle Lutheran Church, rural Dawson.  Rev. Matt Danielson will officiate and interment will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the church for one hour before the service.

Verlin Gene Ireland was born in Renville County, Minnesota on January 11, 1940, the son of Glenn and Agnes (Fundingslund) Ireland. The youngest of three, nicknamed Sonny, spent most of his childhood growing up in Minnesota where he graduated from Renville High School in 1958.  Soon, he met the first love of his life. One Friday night in early 1960, he was driving his souped-up car through the nearby town of Granite Falls. It was here he met Karen (Patty) Kipp.  A few months of courtship led to an elopement and wedding on September 14, 1960. Vern was a man of many talents until he started his dream career with Northwestern Bell Telephone in 1966, retiring in 1994.

Karen and Vern enjoyed life together in small town Minnesota, and eventually settled in rural Dawson, MN in April 1972. Along the way their family grew to 7. They loved their life together spanning 32 years. Sadly, Karen passed away suddenly September 22, 1992. Vern took the opportunity to work in St George, UT with AT&T in 1993. This is where he, through an acquaintance, met the final love of his life, Merle Jacobsen Giles. They were married October 29, 1993 in St George. After the sudden death of Merle's daughter Cristi, Vern and Merle adopted her young son, Kason and raised him to adulthood.

Vern was an avid collector from antiques to automobiles, always in search of the next treasure. He loved garage sales, estate sales, and visiting the DI (thrift store in UT).  He loved seafood, any kind of ice cream, rommegrot, lefsa, and don't forget the Minnesota Twins, not necessarily in that order. He had a zest for life and will be sadly missed.

He is survived by his children: Dave (Sandy), Steve (Rose), Laurie (Gregg), Tricia (Timothy), Kason Giles; stepdaughters: Angela (Ben) and Lisa (Darcey); along with 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Family friend and caretaker Angela Talbot.

Preceded in death by his parents; his wives: Karen and Merle; a son, Kevin; a stepdaughter, Cristi; a brother, Glenn; and a sister, Virginia.

In honor of Vern's love of MN Twins, please wear MN Twins shirt or any MLB shirt to the funeral.