Verne E. Wagenaar

Verne E. Wagenaar passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Verne was born August 21, 1941 to his parents CE Wagenaar and Faye Mock Wagenaar. Verne was the second of six children.  He grew up on a small farm south of Hardin and attended elementary school at St. Xavier and later graduated from Hardin High school before enlisting in the US Army. Verne met the love of his life, Penny Helmann, and they wed on July 1, 1965. From this union they had two daughters, Jackie and Jenny.

Verne was a natural mechanic and wood craftsman. He enjoyed building furniture and remodeling houses with his friends. He worked for many years as a postal clerk at the Hardin Post Office as well as part time at Fox Oil Company. Verne was well known for his jokes and wit with his customers. 

At the young age of 55, Verne retired from the post office and took his bride traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, winters in California, Tennessee, Texas, Arizona and Nebraska just to name a few. Verne enjoyed his travels to visit his kids, grandkids and great grandchildren until his health no longer allowed. 

Verne was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Jenny, and his siblings Eileen, Judy, Sonny, and Curly. He is survived by his wife, Penny, of 60 years; daughter Jackie (Don) Mohr, Jon and Serena Mohr, grandchildren, Brian (Bethany) Purcell and Hadley, Shawn Purcell, Melissa Medicine Horse and CJ, Preston and Tristan Medicine Horse; granddaughters, Sierra (Dane) Knutson and boys Liam, Nolan, Cameron, Shayla (Gage) Strickland and boys Happy Jack and Leo, Cheyene and Remmie Irvine, Colt Irvine and boys Wyatt and Kyan; son-in-law Joe Purcell, sister-in-law Marilynn Wagenaar, brother Paul (Rita) Wagenaar, brother-in-law Jack (Cynthia) Helmann, Jr. and numerous nieces and nephews.

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