Vernon "Vernie" Potucek

Vernon “Vernie” Potucek, 86, of Radium, MN, died unexpectedly on Monday, May 2, 2016 at his home.

Vernon Emil Potucek was born on May 13, 1929 on a farm north of Radium, the son of Emil and Lucy (Steinkopf) Potucek. His life was unique because he was born, raised and lived his entire life on the same farm, except for the brief time he lived in Thief River Falls, MN. On August 18, 1952, Vernon entered the US Army and served two years as a mechanic during the Korean War before being honorably discharged. On September 22, 1956, he was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Johnston at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. They lived briefly in Thief River Falls before moving to the family farm by Radium. Vernon farmed and raised livestock. He also worked for Kenny Noreen Construction and Arctic Cat.

He was the Ultimate Do-It-Yourself handyman. Vernon was a mechanic, carpenter, welder, woodworker and anything else that needed to be done. It was a crime in his eyes to pay someone to do something he could do himself, and he could do most things. In his retirement years, he enjoyed tending to his beautiful flower beds and his garden. Vernon also spent considerable time feeding and tending to his large group of cats, all known by name. His greatest labor of love was caring for his wife, Shirley. He was her primary caregiver and provided endless love and care for Shirley until his final day.

Vernon put his many skills to use while he served as a Trustee at Zion Lutheran Church in Warren. He was also a proud member of the VFW Post in Thief River Falls.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Shirley; children, Paul Potucek of Warren, MN, Mark (Merilee) Potucek of Ada, MN and Karen (Tom) Engberg of Bismarck, ND; grandchildren, Corey, Selina, Shelby, Abbey, Brandon and Lydia; one great-grandchild, Sommer; brothers, Mike Potucek of Saginaw, MI, and Jack Potucek of Warren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Kristin Engberg; sisters, Emily Hoss, Deloris Johnson, Vera Jackson and brothers, Dick Potucek and John Potucek.

Memorial Service: 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church in Warren, MN.

Visitation: Starting at 9:00 AM on Saturday at the church.

Interment: Comstock Cemetery, rural Radium, MN

Military Honors By: Thief River Falls VFW.

 Service Information