Vernon Ross Passmore

Vernon "Vern" Ross Passmore, age 86, of Atwater, MN passed away peacefully at his home on September 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Vern leaves behind a legacy of hard work, generosity, and deep love for his family.

His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 26, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Atwater with visitation from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the church.  Interment will be at Union Cemetery in Atwater.  Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Homes.

Vern was born on December 31, 1939, in Slayton, MN, to Ross and Goldie Passmore. He grew up in Westbrook, MN, where he was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church. During his youth, Vern was a proud member of the area high school basketball team and helped his father run the local meat-cutting business. Following the family trade, Vern attended and graduated in 1962 from the National School of Meat Cutting in Toledo, Ohio.

On June 10, 1961, Vern married Geraldine "Gerry" Schmalz, at Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Together, they shared a beautiful life and celebrated an incredible milestone of 65 years of marriage this past June. Their union was blessed with four children: Gene, Lisa, Gwen, and Keith. Vern’s faith was a cornerstone of his life; he was a longtime faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Atwater.

In 1967, Vern and Gerry moved their family to Diamond Lake, building a beautiful life by the water. Vern dedicated his career to the grocery industry, working for Juba’s in Willmar and Ludke’s in Atwater. In 1981, Vern achieved a lifelong dream by purchasing the grocery store in Atwater. He owned and operated Vern’s Town & Country for over 30 years, becoming a true staple of the community. He eventually passed the family business down to his son, Keith.

Vern loved life and loved sharing it with others. He and Gerry enjoyed traveling the country with family and friends. His favorite places to travel were Branson, Missouri, and spending his retirement in Mesa, Arizona. Closer to home, Vern was happiest at the lake. He spent countless hours taking family and friends for boat rides, playing cards, and teaching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren how to water ski. Vern was always ready to share a cup of coffee and a sweet treat with anyone willing to visit.

Vern was reunited in heaven with his parents, Ross and Goldie Passmore; his brother, Curt Passmore; and his parents-in-law, Art and Petra Schmalz.

He leaves behind a rich legacy of love through his beloved wife, Gerry; his four children, Gene (Betty), Lisa (Dwayne), Gwen, and Keith (Colleen); and many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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