Vern Fluto

Vern A. Fluto, 82, entered the arms of the Lord on June 1, 2017, at CHI St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, surrounded by his family following a cardiac procedure. Per Vern's wishes, cremation will take place along with a private family Celebration of Life.

Vern was born in Breckenridge, Minn., on Jan. 29, 1935, to Alvin and Clara (Jordheim) Fluto. He was raised and educated in Wyndmere. Vern proudly served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Boxer. In 1955 he met Arlene Johnston, the love of his life with whom he would spend the next 62 years creating memories. After 21 years of marriage, their daughter Melanie was born. If you knew Vern, then you knew Melanie as she was the twinkle of his eye and you could hear the buttons popping anytime he spoke of her.

Vern worked as an Insurance Salesman for much of his career, owning the Fluto Insurance Agency. Being the quintessential "people person", Vern thoroughly enjoyed meeting and helping people with their insurance needs. Helping people wasn't just something he enjoyed professionally, but personally as well. He was a generous man with a big heart. If Vern saw someone in need he helped, whether it be a long-time friend or someone with whom he had just crossed paths.

Vern and Arlene enjoyed traveling with their horses and friends, often saying "Horse Friends are the Best Friends". Vern was active in the Bismarck Mounted Police, Bismarck/Mandan Horse Club, DeMores Riders, and served as President of the Badlands Trail Riders. When not out riding the trails, Vern and Arlene could be found cheering on Melanie at Horse Shows or Rodeos. Vern was a member of McCabe United Methodist Church, the El Zagal Shriners, the Amvets, The American Legion, and a life-member of the Bismarck Elks.

Religion was also very important to Vern. He spent the majority of his day later in life reading the Bible and various religious books. He loved to discuss scripture with those around him. He was a proud papa to Tayden and Rylen, and enjoyed watching them play football, basketball, baseball and of course never turning down the chance to let them beat him in a card game.

Blessed to have shared his life are his loving wife, Arlene; his daughter, Melanie (Tony) Soupir and grandkids Tayden and Rylen; his brother, Clark (Ginny) Fluto; sister-in-law, Ruth Johnston; and several nephews and a niece.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law; mother-in-law; and brother-in-law.

Go to www.eastgatefuneral.com to share memories of Vern and sign the online guestbook.