Vernon Axel Wallin

Vernon Wallin went to his eternal home to be in the presence of the Lord Jesus on March 27, 2018. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Milaca. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Vernon Axel Wallin was born January 08, 1926 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Axel and Ruth (Englund) Wallin. He grew up in northeast Minneapolis and graduated from Edison High School in 1944. He immediately reported for service in the U.S. Navy where he served over two years on the U.S.S. Cherokee, which towed targets for battleship practice.

He was discharged from the Navy in May 1946, and returned to Minneapolis to attend Bethel College. He graduated from MacPhail College of Music, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree.

He married Mary Alicia Dahlberg on August 09, 1947. They celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary last year.

In 1956, he came to Milaca Public Schools where he was an instructor in vocal music. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Milaca serving as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and choir director. He also directed community choirs and was active in other areas of vocal and instrumental music.

He received a Master of Science degree in education from St. Cloud State College in 1964. He served as the guidance counselor until he retired in 1986. He also served on the golf coaching staff for 14 years.

Vern enjoyed many sports, fishing, and hunting. In retirement, he continued to enjoy golf, vacations at the lake, and his grandchildren.

Vern is survived by his wife, Mary; three children, Mary Kay (Edward) Zahora of Naperville, Illinois, Bruce, Sr. (Susan) Wallin of Milaca, and John (Shelly) Wallin of Oswego, Illinois; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Elaine Johnson of Vancouver, WA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lillian Anderson.