Vernon B. Reichelt

Vernon Bennet Reichelt, age 94, passed away on February 16, 2026.

Vernon was born May 4, 1931, in Roseau, Minnesota, to Bennie and Selma (Johnson) Reichelt. He attended Duxby School through the eighth grade. As a young man, he moved to Montana with his uncle and cousins and worked for a rancher in Scobey, Montana for seven years before moving to Williston, North Dakota.

In 1953, Vernon was united in marriage to Leona (Sjaaheim) at the Roseau Baptist Parsonage in Roseau, Minnesota. The young couple lived in Duxby, then in Montana for seven years, then made their home in Williston.  Vernon worked as a school custodian in Williston for 35 years. Following his retirement, Vernon and Leona returned to Roseau in 1989, where he worked at Polaris for a few years.

Vernon enjoyed working on cars and fixing them up, camping, snowmobiling, and riding his Ranger. He took pride in keeping his yard neat and well maintained. He was known for his great sense of humor!  He was a member of Badger Creek Lutheran Church and, in his younger years, attended Duxby Church.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Leona; their son, Earl Reichelt; his sisters, Ivy (Don) Olson, Audrey Anderson, and Beverly Hert; grandchildren, Richard, Renae, and Jason; and great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Christopher and Shyann.  He is also survived by Leona’s brother,  Kim (Jeanette) Sjaaheim, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Selma (Johnson) Reichelt; his daughter (Verna Lee Reichelt) and his son (Terry Reichelt), and his brothers-in-law (Bruce Anderson and Al Hert).  He is also preceded in death by Leona’s parents (Ted & Cecelia Sjaaheim), and her siblings (Kenny & Carol Sjaaheim, Doris & Jim Vatnsdal, Darlene & Odin Lisell).

A Funeral Service for Vernon B. Reichelt of Roseau, MN will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 11:00AM at Helgeson Funeral Chapel in Roseau, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the chapel. 

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