Vernon J. Onnen

Vernon Onnen, age 88, of Willmar, formerly of Raymond, died Tuesday, September 15, at Bethesda Grand Nursing Home in Willmar.

His funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 18, at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, September 17, at Bethany Reformed Church and will continue one hour prior to the service on Friday.  Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home, hafh.org.

Vernon James Onnen was born March 8, 1932, in rural Willmar, Minnesota, the son of William and Trena (Klaassen) Onnen.  He grew up on the family farm near Raymond, attended Raymond schools, and later began working on the farm.  On November 16, 1953, Vernon married Eunice Grussing at the United Methodist Church parsonage in Raymond.  They lived and farmed near Raymond until moving to Willmar in 2011.  

Vernon loved farming and continued to help on the farm after his son, Jeffrey, took over the operation.  He also enjoyed fishing, woodworking, playing cards, and gardening.  Vernon was a member of Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City.

He is survived by his wife: Eunice Onnen of Willmar; three children: Debra (and Ken) Nieuwbeerta of Willmar, Steven (and Sharon) Onnen of Kandiyohi, and Jeffrey (and Rhonda) Onnen of Raymond; ten grandchildren: Brenda (and Matthew) Palmer, Cheryl (and Cory) Ammerman, Amanda (and Andrew) Hokom, Joel (and Lindsey) Nieuwbeerta, Jennifer (and Josh) Johnson, Matthew (and Hope) Onnen, Jonathan Onnen, Jordan (and Krystal) Onnen, Kelsey (and Joe) Leenstra, and Jared (and Taylor) Onnen; and fourteen great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are his siblings: Albertha (and Donald) Urban, Darlene (and Eugene) Ostendorf, Russell (and Marcia) Onnen, Marvin (and Karen) Onnen, and Norman (and Evie) Onnen; many nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.  

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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