Vernon Dohrn obituary

Vernon John Dohrn, 89, of Lake City, Minnesota passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Gunderson St. Elizabeth Health Care in Wabasha, Minnesota. On September 12, 1935, Vernon was the fifth of 10 children born to Emil and Anna (Dankers) Dohrn in Chester Township, Wabasha County, Minnesota. His younger years of schooling were spent in Oak Center and in 1953 he graduated from Lincoln High School in Lake City, Minnesota.
After graduating, he helped on the family farm and in 1955 he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado. His time in the military was spent during the peacetime of the Korean War. Vernon was honorably discharged after serving his country in 1957 from Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
On March 3, 1962, Vernon married Ardelle (Witt) and they were blessed with two children but later divorced. On February 23, 1991, he married Cathedradawn (Tina) Harris, and they were together until her death in 2022.
Driving was his passion, so Vernon made a lifetime commitment to driving over the road for 54 years. He worked for Rochester Silo, then bought his own truck and worked for Bud Meyer Trucklines, Knudsen Trucking, California Overland, and most recently for Brinkman Farms until he had health issues.
Vernon enjoyed spending time motorcycling, camping, traveling and his puppies Rusty and Princess. He was a lifetime member of the Lake City Sportsman’s Club. Everyday you would see him sitting at the “Greeting Table” as you walked into the Whistle Stop in Frontenac and he was well known to many! He never missed a day unless he didn’t feel good, which was rare. For the past three years he enjoyed playing Euchre and Huckleybuck. Vernon enjoyed his life. He was a man of constant faith, had a great pride of things and people in his life. A man of truth, honesty, great work ethic, a proud veteran that always had a smile on his face. After logging millions of miles, God saw he was tired and called him home.
Vernon is survived by his daughter Robin Adams of Stewartville, his daughter-in-law, Darla Dohrn of Lake City; three grandchildren, Melaney Adams of Stewartville, Dalton and Taylor Dohrn, one great-granddaughter Charley, and one great-grandson Kadyn; two sisters, Esther Prigge of Lake City and Jane Thompson of Scottsdale, Ariz.; sister-in-law, Bonnie Dohrn of Lake City; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Terry, wife Tina, four sisters, Lorraine Ebling, Luella Eggenberger, Marvel and Laverna Dohrn, three brothers, Rollie, Donald, and Richard Dohrn.
A memorial service will be held for Vernon on Tuesday, July 15, at 11 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lake City with Pastor Rob Robbert officiating. The burial will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Lake City. Friends and family may visit one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.
Arrangements by Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel.  Guest register may be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com.