Vernon Bromen

Vernon A. Bromen, age 84 of Sauk Centre, died Thursday, April 26, 2007 at St. Michael's Nursing Home in Sauk Centre after a long struggle with Alzheimer's.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 30 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Rev. Todd Schneider and Rev. Fintan Bromenshenkel, OSB will concelebrate. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery with military honors by the Sauk Centre United Veterans Honor Guard.

Friends may call Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at the Patton-Schad funeral Home in Sauk Centre. Parish prayers will be 5:15 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home in Sauk Centre.

Vernon A. Bromen (Bromenshenkel) was born September 19, 1922 in Sauk Centre to Alex J. and Theresia (Unger) Bromenshenkel. Vern was a lifetime resident of Sauk Centre, leaving to serve in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946. He returned to Sauk Centre and received a private and a commercial aviation license, making flying his business. On September 27, 1948 he was united in marriage to Viola Gans at St. Alexius Catholic Church in West Union. While raising a family, managing the Sauk Centre airport, giving flying lessons, and piloting commercial flights, he started up a farm equipment company in 1952 which became Bromen Implement of Sauk Centre. In late 1952 he left the aviation business but continued to enjoy flying until 1967. In 1995 he retired from Bromen Implement.Vern was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, enjoying dancing, singing, golfing, bowling, and card games. He was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church and Choir, American Legion Post 67, Paul F. Donart VFW Post 2853, St. Joseph's Society, Bishop Joseph F. Busch Council #4863 Knights of Columbus, and the Sauk Centre Chamber of Commerce.

Vern will be deeply missed by his devoted wife, Viola of Sauk Centre; children, Jeanne Drewes (Steve) of Blaine, Mary Miller (Pat) of Sartell, and Tom Bromen (Beth) of Sauk Centre; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; brothers, Alfred (Father Fintan); and sister, Teresa (Patty Knier).

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Narveson; brothers, Julian, Donald, Alex Jr., and Alvin (Father Silvan); sisters, Sylvia Determan and Cecelia Tegels; parents Alex and Theresia Bromenshenkel.

Serving as casket bearers will be Ben Drewes, Paul Hawkinson, Tim Maher, Anthony Bromen, Cameron Bromen, and Evan Christianson. Cross bearer will be Alison Hawkinson and gift bearers will be Megan Maher, Eva Christianson and Jen Drewes.A special thank you is extended to the staff of St. Michael's Nursing Home and the Hospice Program for their compassionate care.

Memorials are preferred to St. Michael's Nursing Home in Sauk Centre.