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Funeral services will take place on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 1:00 PM (Mountain).

First Lutheran Church
Philip, South Dakota

Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota



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In memory of

Vern Foland

of Midland, South Dakota, died on Monday, January 14, 2019 at the Philip Nursing Home at the age of 94

Vern Kenneth Foland was born February 20, 1924 in Pierre, South Dakota to Otis, Sr. and Mary (Willoughby) Foland, the oldest of three sons. He attended the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and returned to the farm/ranch north of Ottumwa where he lived for the remainder of his life until retiring in Philip in 2003. He married Carrol Thorson Anderson on September 20, 1953. To this union were born four children.

Vern was an independent, sharp and astute farmer and businessman. He was compassionate and would help others. He enjoyed talking and joking with people he encountered and loved to dance and travel. He always was looking for a better way to make or improve anything.

Vern was active in county and local organizations. He served on the Haakon County Commissioners and the Haakon Independent School Board for several terms. He was involved in the Haakon County Conservation District, serving on their board. He was proud that in 2007, the Foland Farm was presented with the Century Farm Award by the SD Farm Bureau Federation at the SD State Fair.

Vern wanted to be a Mason his entire life and enjoyed 73 years in the Masonic Lodge. On his 21st birthday he presented his petition to his father, Otis to join the Lodge. He was a 32nd degree Mason and past-Master of the Midland Lodge. He was a member of the Naja Shriners and the Scottish Rite Freemasonry. He and Carrol enjoyed traveling and camping with the Shriners traveling group over the years.

Vern and Carrol traveled throughout the United States starting in their 50s. During the winter they frequently traveled to Hemet, California to stay near their two youngest daughters and Yuma, AZ. But they also drove their RV across the southern US visiting friends and relatives. They took bus trips and went as far north as Alaska.

Vern is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carrol; son, Mark (Karen) Foland; daughters, Kay Foland, Mary (Creighton Tevlin) Foland, and Judy (Wayne Yanda) Foland, and sons, Robert (Sandy) Anderson, and James (Kayleen) Anderson. He is also survived by his brother, Tech (Ann) Foland; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Otis, Jr., daughter-in-law, Dianne Anderson, granddaughter, Sharon Ellwein; and a great-grandson, Dalles Brucklacher.

A memorial is established to the NAJA Shriner's Hospital Traveler's fund.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at the First Lutheran Church in Philip with Pastor Cindy Bisser officiating.

Interment with masonic rites will be held at the Masonic Cemetery.

FUNERAL SERVICE
Saturday, January 19, 2019 - 1:00 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Cindy Bisser

MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
Congregational Hymns
“Borning Cry”
“How Great Thou Art”

PALLBEARERS
Jeff Willoughby - Tony Willoughby - Dennis Heaton
Dean Heeb - Larry Neiderworder - Steve VanTassel

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT WITH MASONIC RITES
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

  • May God comfort your family as you adjust to this loss. It was a pleasure to care for your Father at Silverleaf. I was glad for the chance to get to know him. Kay, he was so blessed to have you and the rest of your family members who loved and watched over him. We pray he is at peace now and are keeping you in our prayers. ~ Larry and Julie McLaughlin Midland (1/19/2019)
  • Thinking of all the years we spent in Eastern Star. Vern will be missed. Hugs and prayers to all of the family. ~ Linda Stilwell Kadoka (1/19/2019)
  • Our thoughts and Prayers to the Family. God Bless ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, S.D. (1/18/2019)
  • South Dakota ~ Donna Craven Rapid City (1/17/2019)
  • You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Kay am so sorry. I enjoyed you Mom Dad while taking care of them at the nursing home. He wi ll be missed. But a life well lived and blessed many. ~ Evy heide (Rowcliffe) Philip (1/17/2019)
  • We are thinking of you folks during this time of loss, hold onto all the memories. Vern sure did like to dance, he was always tapping his feet and clapping his hands this last year ,while he watched us dance, ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (1/17/2019)
  • To Vern's family...Vern and Carol were always such great people to visit with when I'd sub for the preachers in the Philip church. Even as they got older, there was always a firm handshake, one of Vern's trademark smiles and a nice word of encouragement from them. Such a nice couple, and it was truly a pleasure to know them both. ~ Dave Ohrtman Long Valley, SD (1/17/2019)
  • South Dakota ~ Dave Ohrtman Long Valley (1/17/2019)
  • My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Vern was a near neighbor to my family and I have many fond memories of him and family over the years. ~ Marcia Jackson Spearfish, SD (1/17/2019)
  • Rest In Peace, Vern. The Foland Family is in my prayers. ~ Pat Snook Rapid City (1/16/2019)
  • Dear Family, My connection to your family began when our Aunt
    Berniece Reedy married Carrol's Uncle Carl Jensen in 1950. I can remember the excitement when Vern asked Carrol to marry him. What a wonderful life they had together. My sympathy and love to all of you as you bid your family patriarch farewell.     ~ Mary Kay Sandal Plainview/Philip, SD (1/16/2019)
  • Remember the good times and always keep them in your heart. ~ Jim and Vonnie O’Dea Howes, SD (1/16/2019)
  • Vern's Haakon County roots were deep and his service on many boards is a testament to his commitment to the land he loved. Our deepest sympathies to all of you as you work through the difficult time. ~ Nancy Green Valley, AZ (1/16/2019)
  • Vern was the best example of a perfect Godfather there could be! Vern was kind, caring, loving, and sincere. I have always highly respected him. Vern could be pretty quick-witted with his humor, too! Throughout my life I have been blessed with Vern's company at many family get-togethers.
    My heart is weeping with the Foland Family during this sad time. Surely the angels are dancing in the sky with the glory of Vern coming home.
    Our Love, Mike & Shar     ~ Shar Moses Philip, South Dakota (1/15/2019)
  • Plesae know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all! A life well lived! ~ Karen Pearson rapid city (1/15/2019)
  • I remember Vern and Carol from my days in Philip, Milesville, Midland, and Interior. They were the most helpful, supportive, and kind people, and will always remember them fondly! ~ Mark Ford Brainerd, MN (1/15/2019)
  • We are sorry to hear of your loss. May God comfort you at this hard time. ~ Nancy and Kenny Neville Philip (1/15/2019)
  • Foland family I am so sorry for your loss! I will miss Vern! Prayers for all of you during this time. ~ Shelly Pierre (1/15/2019)