Vern M. Brown Jr., 88, of Jamestown, ND, passed away on Sunday, January 6, 2019 at Baptist Health Care Center in Bismarck, ND.

Vern was born on January 16, 1930 at Courtenay, ND to Vern and Rose (Rosenberry) Brown, raised on his parent’s farm in Courtenay and educated at St. Catherine’s Catholic School in Valley City.

He married Mary Ellen Klose of Jamestown at Wimbledon, ND. They had three children; Michael, Sharon, and Chris. Mary passed away on May 13, 2014.

Vern served in the United States Army from January 1952 to October 1953 and served 14 months in Korea.

He farmed for a time with his father. Most of his adult life was working as a mechanic having his own shop in Courtenay with Ervin Mueller as his partner. Mary operated the Courtenay Caf at that time.

Vern and Mary moved their family to Jamestown in 1966. He then worked for R.M. Stoudt and Melland Motors. In 1982, he and his friend, Mark Wanzek, opened Jamestown Truck and Diesel. They decided to retire in 2000. Vern couldn’t sit still so he converted a yellow Ryder box truck to a mobile diesel repair shop going on site to fix trucks when called. Many people don’t know Vern by name, but remember that yellow box truck around town. Stories have been told of Vern being out on the highway during 20 below weather to thaw out a semi to get it back on the road. If he couldn’t find the right part, he would make it. Vern also worked for West End to keep their trucks running. He spent over 30 years with the Western Minnesota Steam Thresher Reunion in Rollag, MN. He worked each summer to get the grounds and steam engine in the “Snow Building” ready for Labor Day.

Vern was a humble man, but very proud of his military service and his 38 years of sobriety through Heartview. He also became a non-smoker and volunteered and attended many reunions at Heartview.

Vern is survived by daughter, Sharon (Gerard) Senne, Bismarck, son, Chris (Tammey), Moorhead, MN, six grandchildren; Amanda, Amy, David (Cora), Skyler, and Ryan Brown, and Angie (Jared) Meidinger, sister, Mary Samek Johnson, and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary, son, Michael, parents; Vern and Rose Brown, and sister, Dorothy Smith.

Memorial Service: 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 10, 2019, at The United Presbyterian Church in Jamestown, with Pastor Bob Boyar officiating.

Visitation with Family: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 10, 2019, at The United Presbyterian Church.

Spring Burial: North Dakota Veteran’s Cemetery, Mandan, ND.

Arrangements are in the care of Eddy Funeral Home.