Vern C. Crabtree

Vern Clayton Crabtree, 87, of Hawley, MN, passed away on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Valley Care and Rehab, Barnesville, MN.

Vern was born on October 18, 1937, in Pequot Lakes, MN, to Merle and Violet (Thorson) Crabtree. His family eventually moved near Upper Cormorant Lake, MN, attending and graduating from Lake Park High School, Lake Park, MN. He joined the Minnesota National Guard and was a member for at least 27 years. After high school, he began working at Burn’s Motor Company as a parts man. He met Janet Johnson in Hawley, and they were united in marriage on July 6, 1963. They moved to rural Hawley, MN, after living for a year in Dilworth, MN, and he began continued his career as a parts man at WW Wallworks for the next 50 years. After his retirement, he continued to live in Hawley, MN, and assisted his son-in-law, Josh, on his farm.

Vern enjoyed camping, hunting and working on wood projects in his shop. He also loved traveling with Janet, which included trips to California, Colorado, Texas, and many trips to Medora. After their daughter moved to the east coast, they took a few trips that way and even enjoyed a train trip to that area.

Vern is survived by his loving wife, Janet; children, Mike (Kristine) Crabtree, Randy (Renee) Crabtree, Lisa (Jim) Williams, William Crabtree, and Suzie (Josh) Granholt; grandchildren, Cole, Alyssa, Michaela, Kody (Nicole), Kaylie, Kylie, Matt, Dylan, Paige, Shelby, and Evan; great-grandchildren, Kyson, Evie, and Jackson; siblings, Margie Westlund, Marilyn Leitheiser, and Ron (Bonnie) Crabtree; and many other loving relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Violet; and his brother, Lonnie.

Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M., followed by the Celebration of Life service at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, March, 1, 2025, at Hawley Lutheran Church, Hawley, MN. A recording of the Celebration of Life is available here on Vern's webpage. Final resting place will be at Hawley Cemetery, Hawley, MN, at a later date.