Vern Lillehaugen

1934 - 2022

On November 5, 2022, we lost a beloved husband, father, and grandfather from complications of Parkinson's, his loving wife Linda holding his hand.Vern was a gentle, kind man who treated everyone with respect. He was well-liked by everyone in return. He worked for PG&E for 37 years, the last 15 as a Gas Service Supervisor in Edenvale, CA. Before PG&E he worked on the family farm in Brocket, North Dakota. Vern had an uncle who worked for PG&E in Santa Cruz and decided to visit and see what Santa Cruz had to offer. He got hired at PG&E and met Linda who also worked at PG&E.Vern and Linda were both able to retire early and Vern took a job as a PG&E caretaker for a year at PG&E's Camp DeSabla (above Paradise, Ca.) with his wife Linda as his assistant. They had 18 cabins to take care of and Vern loved going from cabin to cabin to visit or just waving hello.Vern and Linda went on many cruises and were able to visit Norway where Vern's ancestors emigrated from to North Dakota. For several years Vern volunteered at the Santa Cruz County Fair in the Home Arts Dept. hanging quilts and setting up displays to get ready for the Fair's opening. A volunteer job that he loved to do. Vern was also a member of the Elks, Moose, and SIRS (sons in retirement) He went through all the steps of SIRS and holds the title of "Honorary Life Member." He was a hard-working proud American, loved by everyone.He leaves behind his loving wife of 55 years, Linda; his daughter, Paige Lynd; grandchildren Nicholas Lynd and Holly Lynd; siblings Barb Swalley of Alexandria, Minnesota; Carol Jean Stephens of Eagan, Minnesota; Lyle Lillehaugen of Alexandria, Minnesota; and Maynard Lillehaugen of Brocket, North Dakota. Vern is preceded in death by his parents Tollef and Viola Lillehaugen of Brocket, North Dakota, and his sister Helen Walser of Rochester, Minnesota. He leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, and nieces. We will all miss him terribly. If there was just way to turn back the clock of life, but there isn't, and so we will all live with the memories of a great man.The family would like to thank Florence Kuo Home Care and caregiver Veronica Cazares. Vern requested no services.