Vernard Lee Brown

Funeral Services for Vernard L. Brown, of Morris, will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Morris Evangelical Free Church in Morris with Pastor Hector Franco officiating with the message delivered by Pastor Mike Sager. A visitation will be held on Sunday from 4 - 6:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and will continue one hour prior to the service on Monday. Burial will be held at a late date in the Spring at Summit Cemetery in Morris.

Vernard Lee Brown, 95, of Morris, MN, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 5, 2026, at Skyview Plaza, surrounded by family. He was born on March 20, 1930, one of eight children, to Erscel and Helen (Brown) Brown on a farm near Hancock, MN.

Vern attended high school in Hancock, where he excelled in his studies and met the love of his life, Barbara Schmidgall. The two were married in December of 1950 and together, they were blessed with five children: Kathy, Gary, LeAnn, Dale, and Mark. In 1963, the couple settled in Morris where Vern began working on the maintenance staff at the University of Minnesota, Morris. Having grown up on a farm, Vern was no stranger to hard work and eventually moved up to the position of Director of General Services, until his retirement in 1996. While work was an important part of Vern’s life, even more important to him was family, plus always staying active and busy.

Vern had the mind of an engineer and needed to understand the “how’s” and “why’s” of everything. He was a man of significant intelligence, able to fit a square peg into a round hole. Besides this he was a calm, gentle, nurturing man to both family and friends. He was sought out by many for his guidance, always listening calmly, often sharing his personal experiences, and humbly offering support and advice.

Vern leaves behind many cherished memories in the hearts of his family and friends; such as the week-long vacations at Alexandria lake cabins, trips to Branson, and being present for his grandchildren’s activities and milestones. He and Barb hosted many elaborate holiday gatherings where the table was filled with food and everyone felt welcomed and cherished. Vern and Barb took on many home remodeling projects which utilized his vast carpentry and handyman skills and problem-solving abilities. Vern was also a man of great faith; he loved studying the Bible and enjoyed volunteering at the Evangelical Free church where he assisted with the sound system, pitched in on special events, and served as a Deacon.

While Vern may no longer be physically on this earth to guide his family and friends, he leaves behind the legacy of his example: respectfulness, kindness, patience, humility and faith.

Vern’s wife, Barb, passed away in February of 2024 and Vern remained at Skyview until his passing where both were loved by staff and residents. We find peace in knowing Vern and Barb have been reunited and just as they walked through life together, the couple’s remains will be laid to rest at the same time at Summit cemetery in Morris at a later date in the Spring.

May God Bless the Memory of Vernard Lee Brown.

Left to mourn Vern’s passing are his children: Kathy Brown (Judd Nelson) of Wayzata, Gary (Julene) Brown of Fargo, ND, LeAnn (Jermaine) McGee of Brooklyn Park, Dale (Michelle) Brown of Normal, IL, Mark (Tami) Brown of Minnetrista; 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; siblings: Don Brown, Carol Lundebrek, Janice Swenson, Lorraine Hanson, and LuVerne Brown; brother and sister-in-law’s; as well as many other relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Brown; his parents Erscel and Helen; brothers, LeRoy and Raymond; and numerous other family members.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Skyview for their amazing care, and additionally the staff of Vivie Hospice who filled his last days with comfort and peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation made in honor of Vernard to Skyview Plaza, to Vivie Hospice or a charity of your choice.

Pedersen Funeral Home in the care of Vern’s arrangements.