Vernon Elwood Stevens was born east of Boyd, MN on January 26, 1935, to Ralph and Gertie Stevens. He was baptized, April 5, 1935 and confirmed on June 12, 1949 in the Trinity Lutheran Church, Boyd, MN where he remained a lifetime member of this congregation. Starting in 1965 until present, he was the church choir director and organist. He taught Sunday school, served as Sunday school superintendent from 1953-1960, was a member of various church boards and his talent for singing was a source of inspiration to many as they called upon him to sing for various occasions. Vern attended Country School district #90 for seven years and 8-12th grade at the Boyd Public School. Vern served in the Minnesota National Guard from 1954-1963 at Dawson as Company Clerk and Supply Sergeant. Vern often spoke of the fond memories of his school years and those years on the farm with his Mother and Uncles, Harry and Edwin Gilbertson. During these years, he developed a strong bond with the land, and next to education, nature and all its beauty was probably his greatest love. Following high school graduation, he completed a teacher training course at the Madison Teacher Training Department. He taught at District #30 of Lac qui Parle Co. from 1954-1960. In 1965, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree from St. Cloud State and also completed studies toward a Remedial Reading Certificate that year at St. Cloud State College. From 1960-1965, Vern taught 6th grade at Boyd Public School. In 1965, he became the 6th grade teacher at Dawson-Boyd Elementary School. In 1976, he was awarded a Master's Degree in Elementary Administration from St. Cloud State University and has been Dawson-Boyd Elementary Principal from 1977 until the present. Reading was always his favorite subject and throughout the years he will always be remembered for his reading and popcorn parties he gave for his students. In 1975, Vern was named Minnesota "Teacher of the Year". When asked when he first developed a motivation towards teaching, Vern indicated, "My desire to become an elementary teacher began in my senior year of high school when I was given a chance to assist in a combination 5-6th grade classroom for a period of one week. I recognized at that time how important teaching is and how important it also is that the ideas and information presented by the teacher are understood by the students. I further appreciate how much resultant effect of teaching lies with the students, other teachers, parents and people of the community." In 1991, he was awarded the Transformational Leadership Award for "Values-Driven Work Ethic" from the Minnesota Administrators' Academy. When Vern's name was placed in nomination the comments made were: "He touches the lives of hundreds of Dawson and Boyd children who, to this day, seek him out to share a conversation or to draw from his life perspective." "He stands out like a lighthouse in the profession." "He maintains a deep human compassion and the highest of standards for himself and others." "His enthusiasm for life itself spills into the classrooms through which he passes." "His genuine greetings and inviting smiles break through the masks of even the most severe at-risk children." "His friendly nature and unmatched integrity has worn well in numerous community activities and organization." "By this dual role, as both a school and community leader, he has united parents, teachers, and students in the pursuit of successful school experiences for kids." In 1995, Vern received the "Prairie Disciple" award from the Southwest Minnesota Arts and Humanities Council. This award is made annually on behalf of one individual seen to have been instrumental in helping the arts or artists in the eighteen county area of southwestern Minnesota. His career dream was to build, manage, and guide a regional performing arts center in the Dawson area. He served as chairman of the planning committee for the proposed Dawson-Boyd Community Arts Center. He worked long hours as a champion for all learners, believing firmly that everyone can be successful. He also believed that it is the arts that make a person whole, improve self-image, promote higher level thinking, and most assuredly add quality to living. He was a charter member of the Dawson Lions Club and served as secretary. He was an active member of the Dawson-Boyd Education Association and has been an active member of the Minnesota Education Association, serving on numerous committees. Vern's life ended on Thursday, February 25th, while a patient at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN at the age of 64 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Ardis Saue; one brother, Marvin; and his niece, Laurie Gritmacker. He is survived by aunts, Alma Eidem, Montevideo, MN and Hazel Neumann, Sauk Centre, MN; one sister-in-law, Gloria Stevens, Bird Island, MN; and brother-in-law, Paul Saue, Montevideo, MN. He is also survived by nephews, Kevin, Gary, Allen, and Scott Stevens; and Dan, Bryan, and Keith Saue; and one niece, Bev Westfield; and many cousins. Vern will be remembered as a most caring and compassionate man who placed the needs and achievement of children above all else. He will be sadly missed by his family and a host of friends. "If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it." Visitation: Sunday, February 28, 1999, 1:30-8:00p.m., Prayer Service, 7:00p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church of Boyd Officiant: Pastor Glenda Wilson Special Music: Trinity Church Choir "We Have These Moments", "Lord, Be My Rock" Organist and Choir Director: Mavis Hutt Funeral Service: Monday, March 1, 1999, 3:00p.m., Dawson-Boyd High School Auditorium, (Visitation beginning at l:00p.m.) Officiant: Pastor Terry Hagensen Assisting Pastors: Pastor Paul Christopher, Pastor Kendall Stelter Special Music: Dawson-Boyd Concert Band, directed by Paul Hanson Dawson - Boyd Concert Choir, directed by Melanie Benson Trinity Lutheran Church Quartet Trinity Lutheran Church Choir Mavis Hutt, pianist Jeanette Lund Casketbearers: (Vern was very active in many phases of life. The list of Casketbearers could be endless. We have chosen one representative from each of a few areas that he was involved in) Larry Strand, Trinity Lutheran Church of Boyd Maury Ferden, 6th Grade Teacher at Dawson-Boyd School Rosie Dehli, Principal at Ramsey Elementary School, Montevideo Arnold Jostock, Dawson-Boyd School, Board of Education Sam Olson, Dawson Lions Club Everett Kelly, MinnWest Bank of Dawson Honorary Casketbearers: Staff and Directors of Dawson-Boyd School Final Resting Place: Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Boyd, Lac qui Parle County, MN Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota