Vernon Russum

Vernon Russum, 93, Grafton, ND died on Friday, May 22, 2020 at Edgewood Vista in Fargo, ND.

Vernon Lyle Russum was born Nov. 4, 1926 in Grafton, ND to Palmer and Magda (Molskness) Russum. He graduated from Grafton High School in 1944 and attended Aakers Business College in Grand Forks, ND. Vernon served in the US Army in Counter Intelligence in Atlanta, GA. He married Dorothy Johnson on Jan. 14, 1951 in Park River, ND. They built their home one half mile from the Russum homestead south of Grafton where they farmed for 40 years.

Vernon was a man of strong faith which led to being very involved in his church. He was a charter member of the Bethel Free Lutheran Church in Grafton and was involved in many leadership positions. Vernon and Dorothy were involved in the establishment of the Association Free Lutheran Congregations (AFLC). Vernon was on the board for Galilee Bible Camp, Partners in Mission Outreach, and on the AFLC World Missions Board for 27 years making multiple mission trips to Brazil and Mexico.

Vernon was also passionate about serving his community. He was active in the Heritage Village, Walsh County Soil Conservation, NE Pioneer and Pembina County Tractor Associations, the Walsh County Rural Conservation Development, and the Gideons International.

While farming, Vernon worked at the US Post Office but was an entrepreneur at heart. He owned and operated JDK Trailer Sales & Leasing, the local Montgomery Ward store, and loved working with fellow farmers as a crop insurance adjustor. He also owned Russum Realty, becoming a real estate broker at age 70. After retirement, Vernon became a bail bondsman, sharing Jesus with the people he helped.

Vernon had a passion for collecting and restoring antique tractors ~ especially his beloved John Deeres. This collection came to an end when they had an auction sale and then moved into Grafton in September 2013. They moved to Edgewood Vista in Fargo in January of 2017. Vernon leaves behind a legacy of faithfully serving his Lord Jesus Christ, finding satisfaction in hard work and with a smile, always demonstrating his compassion for others.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, of 69 years, five children, Judy (Bruce) Seibel of Fargo, David Russum of Fargo, Karen (Randy) Pederson of Tioga, ND, Sandra Harthan of Fargo and Cheri Nelson of Fargo; 17 grandchildren, Andrea (Adam) Berge, Stephanie (Michael) Bull, Emily (Eric) Netland, Kayla Russum, Micah (Jen) Russum, Malea (Matt) Williams, Daniel (Kaitlyn) Russum, Gracia (Aaron) Livie, David (Bree) Pederson, Chris (Megan) Pederson, Evan Pederson (Dani Halverson), Amanda (Nate) McCraven, Laura (Craig) Olson, Todd (Jenna) Harthan, Jonathan (Heidi) Nelson, Josiah (Katie) Nelson and Jordan (fiancée Ellen Barden) Nelson; great grandchildren; Timothy, Luke, Hannah, Josiah and Mattea Berge, Olivia, Charlotte and Amelia Bull, Emmerich, Easton, Elyse and Eddie Netland, Zianne, Talitha, Eisley and Diletta Russum, Haaken, Isla and Soren Williams, Asher and Judah Russum, Sophie, Ben, Lila and Isaac Livie, Julian, Chandler and Lukah Pederson, Ellis, Henrik and Harvey Pederson, Austin, Carter and Sophia McCraven, Evie and Maxwell Olson, Barrett Harthan, Jeremiah and Anja Nelson, Erin and John Nelson; and a brother, John (Delaine) Russum of Grafton.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Phil Harthan.

A private family service will be held with a public service to be held later.

Burial will be at the Grafton Cemetery.

The family wishes to express its sincere thanks to the staff at Glenn’s Place in Edgewood Vista and the people of Hospice of the Red River Valley for their wonderful care and kindness. Memorials may be directed to AFLC World Missions or a ministry of your choice.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vernon Russum, please visit our floral store.