Vernon Jorde, age 82, resident of Tolna , ND died Friday, January 8, 2010 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks , ND .

Vernon was born June 17, 1927 in Mekinock , ND the son of Gotfred & Gertie (Burtness) Jorde. He was baptized, confirmed and attended country school in Mekinock. The family moved to Tolna where they started ranching and farming. He worked for E.D. Beckman before entering the United States Army. Vernon served on the front line during the Korean War. On November 21, 1953 he married Phyllis Beckman. They lived on a farm south of Michigan , ND and later moved to the Beckman family farm near Tolna where they raised livestock and farmed. Vernon had a strong connection with farming, raising cattle and showing cattle. After moving into Tolna in 2003 he remained very active with the farm & ranch. Vernon enjoyed reading, following politics, visiting with friends & neighbors and spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren.

Vernon is survived by his wife Phyllis Jorde of Tolna, ND; daughter Pamela Benson of Fargo, ND; son Todd (Lisa) Jorde of Tolna, ND; 5 grandchildren Britny & Bailey Benson and Jordan, Trey & Reece Jorde; 3 sisters, Bernice Agotness of Northwood, ND, June Bye of Northwood, ND and Eileen (Lloyd) Iverson of Grand Forks, ND; 1 brother Elwood (Verna) Jorde of Michigan, ND; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; 1 brother Oren; 3 half-sisters Ivy Bratlie, Leona Hensrud and Mae Hendrickson.

Funeral services for Vernon will be Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 1:00 PM in the American Lutheran Church of Tolna, ND.  Officiating will be Reverend David Nichols.   Organist will be Delores Clute with special music by Darlene Quam.  Casketbearers will be Lloyd Lee, David Lee, Dennis Gutting, Duane Schindele, Raymond Nelson, Fyllis Burthold and Bob Engen.  Honorary Casketbearers will be Don Clute, Stewart Clute, Lloyd Iverson, George Beckman, Ronnie Hendrickson, Donavon Bye, Wayne Jorde, Allan Jorde, Rodney Jorde and Neil Jorde.  Visitation will be Monday, January 11, 2010 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service all in the American Lutheran Church in Tolna. Military Honors by the American Legion Post #162 of Tolna , ND . Arrangements with the Stanley-Iverson Funeral Home of McVille.