Vernon V. Manley

Vernon Manley, 82, of Willmar, died at 3:00 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar, with family by his side. After several years of health struggles, Jesus Christ welcomed him into heaven.

His funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, at Willmar Bible Church. A recording of the service will be available on the church's YouTube page.  Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Willmar. Memorials are preferred to Bethesda Hospice. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Homes.

Vernon V. Manley was born December 6, 1943, in Willmar, Minnesota, to Vernon L. and Ella (Ruter) Manley. He graduated from Raymond High School in 1961. On March 24, 1962, Vern was united in marriage to Sharon Dahline at Tripolis Lutheran Church near Kandiyohi.

Vern began his career in the automobile business in 1963, selling cars at YMC Motors in Granite Falls. In 1965, he and Sharon moved to Clara City, where he operated Vern's Auto. In 1967, they moved to Faribault and later Grove City while Vern worked for AAA Insurance.

Vern later joined Roth Chevrolet, where he worked for 10 years before opening a used car business with his business partner, Don Baker, in 1981. In 1983, they acquired the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury franchises. Over the years, the business continued to grow, adding Chevrolet, Cadillac, Pontiac, Buick, Jeep, Eagle, Nissan and Toyota franchises. Vern retired in 1997 after a 35–year career in the automobile business.

Retirement gave Vern the opportunity to devote more of his time to what mattered most to him- bus driving, his faith and his family. For the next 20 years, he especially enjoyed spending time with his six grandchildren and being part of their lives.

Vern is survived by his wife, Sharon; their three children, Steven Manley, Lisa Bury, and Troy (Shanon) Manley; six grandchildren, Justin (Clara) Bury, Joshua (Mercedes) Bury, Zachary (Isabelle) Manley, Tyson Manley, Cooper Manley, and Aspen Manley; his sister, Connie Niemeyer; sister–in–law, Denise Manley; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Ella Manley; his brother, Dennis Manley; and his brother–in–law, David Niemeyer.

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