Verne Lloydell Wolstenholm, age 77 of Prior Lake, passed away in his home with his family by his side on Good Friday, April 19, 2019. A funeral service will be held at 11AM with visitation beginning at 9:30AM on Thursday, April 25, 2019 all at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran, Prior Lake. Verne will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Pastor Rebecca Gamble will preside.
On September 5, 1941, Verne was born to parents Lloyd and Mary Belle (Klone) Wolstenholm in Idaho Falls, Idaho. From kindergarten until the 8 th grade, Verne attended the last one-room schoolhouse in Nebraska.
In 1959, following his high school graduation from McCool Junction, Verne enlisted in the Navy. Despite being claustrophobic, he worked on a nuclear submarine as a sonarman and electrical repairman. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, Verne experienced a life changing moment. After intersecting paths with a Russian submarine, Verne reevaluated his priorities in life. Shortly after, he married the love of his life, Shirley.
On July 9, 1962 Verne and Shirley were joined in marriage in York, Nebraska. They were blessed with over 57 years together.
Using his experience from the Navy, Verne began a 30 plus year career with the Nebraska Public Power District. He also served on various national boards for nuclear power. After retiring from NPPD in 1998, Verne spent a few years consulting at various nuclear facilities before full time retirement.
When he wasn’t working, Verne enjoyed golfing and cheering on the Nebraska Huskers. He was proud of the fact that he had visited all 50 states, with North Dakota being his last destination. Most importantly, Verne enjoyed spending time with his family and his granddog, Timber.
Verne was truly a family man—he was supportive during the easy and tough moments of life. He never hesitated to say, “I love you” or express his gratitude with a simple “Thank you.” Verne was especially proud to be a “grampa” and always joked around with his grandchildren. Even when faced with Alzheimer’s and cancer, his dedication to family never wavered.
Verne is loved and missed by his wife, Shirley; children, Rick (Karey) Wolstenholm, Rhonda (Dean) Ohlhues; grandchildren, Jack, Meg, Wyatt, Lucy, and Owen Wolstenholm, Jake, Erik, and Kurt Ohlhues; sister, Merna Stalsberg; other relatives and friends.
Verne is reunited in Heaven with his grandson, Craig Ohlhues, and his parents.
Arrangements with Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home & Cremation, Prior Lake.
