Vernon Haglund, Sr.

Born February 17, 1927, in Skandia, a son of August and Anna (Lindeblad) Haglund, Vernon was raised in Skandia and attended the local schools including junior high at Howard School in Marquette. He left home at the age of 14 and began a long working career which began with working on a farm in Sundell and later driving truck for the Munising Dairy. Before his 18th birthday, he entered the US Navy in 1944 during World War II and spent his time on an aircraft carrier, the USS Belleau Wood. Prior to his honorable discharge in 1946, he helped transport servicemen back home as part of Operation Magic Carpet at the end of the war.

Vernon returned to the area, and on January 11, 1947, was united in marriage to Elsie Hangas. The couple made their first home in Carlshend and began raising a family. Subsequent employments included stints with the LS & I Railroad at the ore dock, on the section crew in Skandia, and a brief time with CCI in the mines. In 1965, Vernon became affiliated with the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local 111 and remained a member until his death. Through the union, he worked in various locations, and retired in July of 1989.

Vernon was very handy. Not only did he build his home that still stands in Carlshend, throughout the years he took a variety of carpentry and plumbing jobs for many individuals and businesses. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing in open water and ice fishing, and took several fishing trips to Canada. As a young man he boxed for “fun” and enjoyed watching the sport on television throughout his life. Vernon enjoyed outdoor games such as horseshoes, washers and ladder golf. He also enjoyed playing, and often winning, card games of all kinds. For many years he maintained a large garden and cut his own wood for the winter. After retirement, Vernon and Elsie travelled to many states throughout the U.S.

Vernon is survived by his children, Donna (Carl) Varga of Wind Gap, PA, Vernon C. Haglund, Jr of Skandia; Darlene Wescott Sawyer of Gladstone, Connie (Richard) Armstrong of Negaunee Township, and Della Juliano of Escanaba; grandchildren, Jan (Wade) Johnson, Cara (Charles) Morrow, Joel (Chelsie) Varga, Amy (Ward) Bell, Robbie (Kimberly) Haglund, Sterling Wescott, and Abigail Armstrong, several great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Elsie Haglund; an infant daughter, Diane; his siblings, Arnold, Mildred, Edith, Roger, Esther, Rudolph, Elsie, Arnold, and Allen George “Joe”.

Funeral services will be held at the Haglund Cemetery in Skandia at 2 pm on September 10, 2024 with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Emanuel Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 160, Skandia, MI 49885.

Sincere thanks for the kindness and professionalism of Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, as well as the wonderful caring neighbors at Lost Creek.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.