LaVern D. Kendall

LaVern (Vern) Dale Kendall was born on May 17, 1941, in Hastings, Nebraska, and died peacefully surrounded by family on January 23, 2026, in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The two most important things to Vern were his family and his faith. Vern was generous with his hugs, ended every phone call with “Love you much”, and freely offered his support and time. He would drop everything for any and all of his family members at a moment’s notice. He raised his children to be the same way. He is survived by his siblings Karen (Larry) Hadley, Richard (Jan) Kendall, and Irva Jean Ott. He is survived by his children, Becky Kendall, Roland (Chrissie) Kendall, Laurie (Kelly) Johnson, and Shanda Kendall. Vern is survived by his grandchildren, Lindsey Johnson, Erik (Sakuntala) Johnson, Justin (Micah) Kendall, Michael (Megan) Kendall, Katy (Hunter) Swanson, Jamison Johnson, Andrew (Emily) Johnson, Madison Johnson, Erica Wickwire, Ina Mae Andersen, Eletta Andersen, and Ian Andersen. He is survived by his great-grandchildren, Jacob, Rylen, Bayler, Miles, Oaklynn, Andrew, and Emily’s future daughter (due in May of 2026). Vern is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Vern was a man of faith. His faith was regularly shaken but NEVER broken!! He served as a lay minister for the First United Methodist Church in Fargo, North Dakota, from 1972 until 1976. He taught each of his children that faith in the Lord our God could help us through anything. This has proven to be true during this difficult time.

Vern was a highly intelligent man with many interests and hobbies. He attended Hastings College in the early 60's, and thought that math, physics, building computers, and writing computer programs was “fun”!! He was a very skilled electrical/industrial engineer, carpenter, and mechanic. He could fix anything! Vern loved reading U.S. history books, Ham radio, playing guitar and banjo, playing cards, singing, camping, fishing, and canoeing. He led many canoe trail trips to the boundary waters of Canada. Vern will always be remembered as a man who could tell a great story and crack a sly joke. As he would say, he is “with his Maker” now and is at peace.

No Formal Services.