Vernell Weiss

Vernell Arthur Weiss passed away at home surrounded by his loving wife and daughters on February 27, 2021.  Vernell was born November 28, 1939 in Pelican Rapids Minnesota to Arthur and Doris (Swenson) Weiss.  He was baptized and confirmed at Bagstevold Lutheran Church.

He grew up in Erhard and Baker Minnesota. In 1959, he graduated from Barnesville High School and later received a degree from North Dakota State School of Science.

On November 24, 1962, he married his high school classmate Avis Anderson at Rollag Lutheran Church. They made their home and raised their three daughters in Moorhead.

Vernell worked in the plumbing industry for nearly 40 years.  He started out at Moorhead Plumbing and spent the last 37.5 years with Robert Gibb and Sons as a foreman on many commercial projects in the FM area as well as many locations in North Dakota and Minnesota.

He was a lover of classic antique cars and belonged to the Valley Vintage Car Club for 20 years and spent time as a board member. He has been a member of Trinity Lutheran Church since March 7, 1965 and volunteered and served in many capacities.

Summers were spent at Little Pine Lake with family and friends where many wonderful memories were made. He was an avid Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan always tuning in the games on the radio or television or both at the same time. He also enjoyed watching NASCAR and was a fan of Dale Earnhardt. Country and gospel music were his favorites.

He is survived by his wife, Avis of 58 years and daughters Rhonda (Kyle) Ambuehl of Andover MN, Michele (Mark) Aanenson of West Fargo, Janna (Jarred) Cleem of Fargo; grandchildren Michael and Megan Ambuehl, Bailey and Sidney Aanenson, and Drew Cleem; sisters LaVonne (Daniel) Pulczinski, West Fargo and Judy (James) Bernat, Roseau; sisters-in-law, Camilla Weiss, Apache Junction, AZ, Judy Weiss, North Branch, MN; bonus siblings, Don (Deb) Swenson, Marlene McShane, many loved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and dear friends.

Vernell was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Doris Weiss, brother Bruce Weiss, and twin brother Vernie Weiss; bonus parents Eugene Swenson, Doris (Vannet)(Swenson) Ludemann, bonus sisters: Muriel Leach and Jody Swenson.

Special thanks to Dr. Steen, Roger Maris Cancer Center, Hospice of the Red River Valley and Trinity Lutheran Church family.

A visitation will be held Friday, March 5 from 4-6 pm at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead. A private family service will be held Saturday, March 6 at Trinity Lutheran Church which will be live streamed at 11:00 on Vernell’s webpage.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley, Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead or donor’s choice.