Vern Grommesh

Vern Grommesh, 86, Fargo, ND, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, under Hospice Care, at Friendship Village, Mesa, AZ. Vernon Francis Grommesh was born February 7, 1930 in Fargo to Ralph and Eva (Radermacher) Grommesh. He grew up with his 9 siblings on the family farm east of Casselton, ND. Following graduation, he attended NDSU for a year prior to entering the Armed Services where he served in the Air Force. After returning from the Armed Services, he began farming with his father and brother, Paul. He married Audrey Pollock, daughter of Michael Pollock and Geraldine (Shipper) Pollock, on September 4th, 1954 at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Casselton, ND. Vern and Audrey moved to the family farm east of Casselton, where they farmed and raised their four children. Vern was a devout Catholic who attended Mass daily. Vern enjoyed dancing, playing bridge, golfing, cooking, and spending time at Pelican Lake and Mesa, AZ. Vern was an avid gardener. His love of the land continued after retirement, where he spent much of his time creating and tending to beautiful flower beds. He especially loved planting tomato plants, donating a majority of the produce. He was a hardworking, ambitious man who liked to stay busy. Vern was very social and loved spending time with family and friends. Despite his gruff exterior, Vern was known for his sarcastic wit, quick humor, and big heart. Vern supported many charitable organizations; including sponsoring many orphan children over the years. Vern is survived by his wife of 2 years, Vicki (Grangaard) Grommesh; four children, John (Lori) Grommesh, Casselton, Lori Mauch, Wyndmere, Jani (Steve) Tongen, Webster, SD, Susie Huseth, Wyndmere, 10 grandchildren; Michael (Kelsey) Grommesh and Julie Grommesh, Lindsey (Justin) Ahrens, Alex Mauch and Katie (Andy) Knutson, Kelsey (JT) Carpenter, Carly Scherweit, Nicole Tongen, Miranda (Brandon) Huseth, Megan Huseth and 8 great grandchildren; Titus Grommesh, Lucas and Elijah Grommesh, Rylynn Knutson, Kiaya Hagen, Tatym and Kole (KJ) Carpenter, Michael Huseth; one brother, Don (Marliyn) Grommesh, Witchita, KS; three sisters, Sister Alice Grommesh, Hankinson, ND, Claudette Ford, Middletown, NJ, Evanne Hoyt, Great Falls, VA; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Audrey (Pollock) Grommesh, his second wife Beatrice (Berndt) Grommesh; his granddaughter, Christy Grommesh; his parents, Ralph and Eva (Radermacher) Grommesh; two sisters, Mary Bydlon and Monica Johnson; and four brothers, Paul, Harold, Roland, and Ralph, Jr. Vern liked asking people the following question, "What is your number one goal in life?" He enjoyed hearing people's varied responses. The simple answer was: "To get to Heaven." Visitation: Wednesday, May 18, 2016 from 6 to 7 PM with a vigil service at 7 PM at St. Mary's Cathedral, Fargo. Funeral: Thursday at 10 AM at St. Mary's Cathedral with visitation one hour prior. Burial: St. Leo's Cemetery, Casselton. West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center westfuneralhome.com