Richard Alan Vernlund

Richard Alan Vernlund, 72, passed away at his home, unexpectedly, on Sunday, July 7, 2024.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, July 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Evangelical Free Church in Blackduck, MN with Pastor Paul Schlador and Lonnie Wernberg officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church.
Richard was born on May 1, 1952, the seventh of ten children, to John Joseph and Elsie Alice (Johnson) Vernlund. Richard grew up in Third River Township and attended Squaw Lake School. On February 21, 1978, Richard married Tamara Lea Clayton and their daughter, Jennifer, was born later that year. Initially, they made their home in Isabella, MN before moving back to Blackduck shortly thereafter and finally settling in their current home, three miles North of Blackduck, in August 1991.
Richard had many logging jobs during his lifetime, beginning with working alongside his dad in Third River Township to some of the happiest days of his life working for Earl Gibbs, beside his best buddy, Larry White. He continued logging in Isabella and Side Lake, MN until he fell a tree that he couldn't outrun and it fell on his back. This forced him into a different line of work and he began driving semi; the job he loved most, for the next 44 years.
In addition to driving truck, Richard enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, fishing, camping; traveling to AZ, took immense pride in his lawn and loved spending time with his grandsons. He had a great sense of humor and a way of recollecting stories that would, undoubtedly, bring much laughter to anyone listening.
Loved ones Richard leaves behind include his devoted wife, Tammy; his daughter, Jenny (Michael) Olafson; grandsons, Steven Olafson and Conner Olafson; siblings, Edna Beighley, Ronald Vernlund, Gloria (Lowell) Skinner, John Vernlund, Sharon Larson and Craig Vernlund; sisters-in-law, Shirley Sturies and Linda (George) Boggess; special brother, Myron Marine; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his beloved dog, Maggie.
Loved ones passing before Richard include his parents, Joe and Elsie Vernlund; siblings, Kathy Patch, Steven Vernlund and Vicky Skowron; brothers in law, Jacob Beighley, Jens Patch, and Milton Sturies.