Verle Vinson

Verle R. Vinson, 81, a longtime Kootenai Valley resident, died Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006, at his home in Libby.

He was born Jan. 31, 1925, in Wolf Point to the late Elton and Dorothy Vinson, and grew up in Big Fork.

In June 1943, Verle joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a Seaman First Class. He was discharged in March 1946 and joined his family in Troy.

Verle worked for Zonolite in 1949 and 1950. He then went to J. Neils Lumber Co., retiring in January 1987 after 35 years.

On June 1, 1952, Verle married the former Norma Solem of Libby.

He was a life member of Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 1548, Sons of Norway and Christ Lutheran Church.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Karen Armstrong, and her husband, Mike, of Eagle Creek, Ore.; a son, Rob, and his wife, Sybil, of Libby; seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, brothers Dick and Dale Vinson and a sister, Marilyn Vinson, all of Libby; a sister, Harriet Welch of Troy; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Nelson & Vial Funeral Home. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at Christ Lutheran Church with a military graveside service following at City of Libby Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Hospice, Christ Lutheran Church or Libby Volunteer Ambulance.