Vernon Ploof, 88

Vernon K. Ploof, age 88, passed away peacefully at home October 24, 2008.

Vern, son of Philip and Mabel (Johnson) Ploof, was born June 19, 1920 in Franklin, Minnesota. He graduated from Bird Island High School. He served in the Army from 1942 to 1945. Vern lived in Morris from 1945 to 1954, where he owned his own business and was pitcher for the Morris and Cyrus baseball teams. He was a charter member of the VFW Post 5039 of Morris. Vern was united in marriage to Jeanne Rentz on May 6, 1947. They relocated to St. Paul where Vern worked at the Hamms Brewery and SuperAmerica. In 1959 the family moved to Cottage Grove where he was employed with the Minnesota Highway Department. He retired from the Highway Department in 1984. Vern and Jeanne were active members of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and South Washington Senior Center where he did volunteer work. He was a member of the American Legion Post 98 St. Paul Park.

Vern enjoyed playing cards and was an avid follower of the Minnesota Twins and basically enjoyed all sports. He will be remembered as a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

Vern will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 61 years, Jeanne; children Marilyn (Phil) Ricker, Barbara (Jim) Modrynski, Nancy (Jeff) Brinkman and Mark (Kathy) Ploof; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many other friends and relatives.

Mass of christian burial is Wednesday, October 29, at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 920 Holley Ave. St. Paul Park, MN 55077. Visitation was Tuesday, October 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church and also one hour prior to the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.

Arrangements by Kok Funeral Home, (651) 459-2875.

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