The funeral for Vern Vilhauer, Wishek, ND will be Monday, November 7, 2011 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church at 10:00 AM at Wishek, ND. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 to 7:00 PM, with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM at Dahlstrom Funeral Home, Wishek, ND. Burial will be at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery, Wishek, ND.


Vern was born August 18, 1953 in Linton, ND, the son of Ruben and Eva (Martel) Vilhauer. Vern spent his early years living in Wishek with his family. As a teenager they moved to Linton. In 1971, he received the "Grand Champion Beef Heifer" Award in 4-H. From there, his life revolved around livestock. Vern graduated from Linton High School in 1972. On April 22, 1977 Vern married Beverly Welk at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, in Wishek, ND. They made their home in Wishek. Vern was employed at Wishek Steel, Wishek Livestock, Vilhauer Cattle Company, and he also had his own cattle operation south of Wishek. He was an avid hunter and he passed on the gene to his sons. His vacation was always scheduled from noon on the first Friday in November until sunset 16 ½ days later when Deer Season closed. He passed up many a deer, always waiting for another trophy buck to hang on the wall. Vern belonged to the Dakota Saddle Club of Wishek, ND. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, and his grandchildren held a soft spot in his heart.

Vern, one of the last true cowboys of McIntosh County, lost his fight with lung cancer. He died Thursday, November 3, 2011 at the Wishek Community Hospital, Wishek, ND. He was 58 years old.

Vern is survived by his wife, Beverly, Wishek, ND; three children, Shawn (Andrea) Vilhauer, Champlin, MN; Rebecca Vilhauer, (Fiancée Andrew Brodeur), Las Vegas, NV; Cody Vilhauer, Wishek, ND; two grandchildren, Jaden and Cameron Vilhauer, Champlin, MN; mother, Eva Hanson, Linton, ND; two brothers, Victor (Jo) Vilhauer, Wishek, ND; Lyle (Cheryl) Hanson, Linton, ND; four sisters, Shirley (Dave) Grenz, Linton, ND; Sylvia (Richard) Schumacher, Zeeland, ND; Karen (Robert) Welk, Bismarck, ND; Ruby (Paul) Benning, Bismarck, ND; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Ruben Vilhauer, and his step-father, Wallace Hanson. Share memories and sign online guestbook at www.dahlstromfuneralservice.com. Dahlstrom Funeral Home of Wishek, ND entrusted with arrangements.