Vernon Knoll, 93

Vernon Knoll was born Oct. 18, 1929, to Anton and Albina Knoll in Bismarck, North Dakota.

The family was forced to move during the Great Depression and spent time in Oregon and Washington before settling in Kalispell when Vern was in the seventh grade. He went on to attend Flathead High School, and as a young man, worked with his father learning the building trade.

Vern loved horses and attended an auction where he watched a young gal bid on and purchase an Arabian mare. Little did he know, he would be married to that gal, Phyllis Kemna (lovingly nicknamed “Philly”), for the next 64 years — and feed the Arabian mare for the next 28 years! They shared a love of horses and together they enjoyed many trips riding through the Jewel Basin and participating in rodeo events. Vern particularly enjoyed calf roping and won many beautiful belt buckles which he took pride in wearing for the rest of his life.

As a member of the National Guard, he proudly served with the 639th Field Artillery Battalion as master sergeant. He made many lifelong friends during his service and together they won the Eisenhower Trophy for best unit in the state.

Vern became a licensed pilot and he owned his own Cessna aircraft, fulfilling a dream of flying after seeing his first plane at the age of 6. He enjoyed taking family and friends for scenic flights around the area.

A builder by trade, he went on to become a contractor and built many lovely homes throughout the Flathead Valley, including four homes for his family. In 1964, he and his wife purchased farm land on the east side of the valley near McWennegar Slough and raised a variety of crops throughout the years including wheat, barley, canola and peas. He was one of the first in the Flathead Valley to raise mint. He enjoyed his time farming and actively farmed until he was in his mid-'80s. Dad always said that he lived in the best of times.

Vern and Phyllis raised four children on their family farm.

He was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis and his beloved dog Carl.

He is survived by his loving children, David, James, Steven (Trish) and Paula; grandchildren, Travis, Avery and Ashley; and several great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are in the care of Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.