Vern Nye Norton, age 82, of Annandale, died Monday, August 31, 2026, at the Annandale Care Center under the care of St. Croix Hospice and his family.
Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Crossing Point Church in Houlton, Wis., with visitation one hour prior. Pastor John Nietzel will officiate. Memorials are preferred to the ALS Association.
Vern was born on September 18, 1943, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Orrie and Alice (Hamelin) Norton. He grew up in North Minneapolis before marrying the love of his life, Mary Dunfee, on February 5, 1965, in Mason City, Iowa – a decision he often described as one of the greatest of his life. Together, they began raising their family in Anoka and later lived in Brooklyn Park and Stillwater. As their health began to decline, Vern and Mary moved to Sartell and then eventually to Annandale.
Vern’s journey included earning a GED from Hennepin Technical College and an Associate’s Degree from Century College in White Bear Lake, reflecting his commitment to education and personal growth. Vern worked in corrections until 1981, when he discovered his true calling as an evangelist. As the founder of Vern Norton Ministries, he dedicated his life to sharing the power of Jesus Christ with others, traveling to various countries to offer his testimony and messages of redemption. His deep love for God and the unending grace he found in his faith were cornerstones of his existence, which he shared generously with everyone he encountered.
Vern loved the outdoors, spending time camping and fishing whenever he could. He was also a longtime fan of boxing. Above all, Vern cherished his family, especially his wife, Mary, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who held a special place in his heart. His faith and gentle nature touched the lives of those around him.
Vern is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary of Annandale; daughters, Celene (David) Imholte of Sartell and Dena Norton (Krista Wraa) of Minnetonka; grandchildren, Guy (Maureen), Kaneesha and Keyaundray Norton, Garret Reynolds, Jowan Christopher, and Isaiah and Darius Harvey, Adam (Jena) Imholte, Abigail (Tyler) Tapio, and Sophia (Tanner) Ranslow; great-grandchildren, Izabel Roeun, Leland, Ivan and Tobias Reynolds, Grayson Cook, Emmett and Arlo Imholte, Nellie Tapio, and Rory Ranslow; brother, Danny Norton of Fort Myers, Fla.; sister-in-law, Laura Norton of Otsego; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; children, Brant Lee Norton and Kaya Harvey; granddaughter, Jaedee Reynolds; great-granddaughter, Olivia Reynolds; brothers, Wayne and Dean Norton; and sisters-in-law, Diane and Cathy Norton.
Obituary, Guestbook, and Video Tribute are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.