In Loving Memory ofVernon "Vern" Owan

November 29, 1934 - July 6, 2019

When the time comes for you to die,

you need not be afraid, because death cannot

separate you from God's love.

In Loving Memory of Vernon "Vern" Owan

Date & Place of BirthNovember 29, 1934

Bonetrail, North Dakota

Date & Place of PassingJuly 6, 2019

Leander, Texas

His Funeral ServiceSt. Peter's Episcopal Church

Williston, North DakotaSaturday, July 13, 2019 ~ 10:00 AM

OfficiatingRev. Mary Johnson

Casket BearersMichael Owan Kevin Owan

Jason Owan Mark OwanRussell Rogers Stephan Owan

Honorary Casket BearersScott Nolte Skye Fowler

His Final Resting PlaceRiverview Cemetery ~ Williston, North DakotaMilitary Rites will be presented at the Cemetery

Vernon Leroy Owan, 84, of Leander, TX went to be with his heavenly father and family on July 6th, 2019. He was the third child born to Charles and Rose (Seeb) Owan on November 11, 1934, at their home in Bonetrail, ND, where he also grew up on his parents’ farm. He was educated in the Williston area schools and later attended UND Grand Forks. He served his country in the army during the Korean conflict.

On September 20th, 1964, he was married to Karma Deane (Solomon) at St. George Orthodox Church in El Paso, TX. They have one daughter, Wendy Nolte.

Vernon was an active and beloved member of the Williston community with many achievements in business and real estate including building many homes, apartments, and condos throughout the area. He was the top seller of mobile homes throughout North Dakota for 10 years in the 70’s as owner of Owan Mobile Homes. He built and owned Williston Basin State Bank in the 80’s and was instrumental in bringing in businesses like KFC into the community. He built and owned Golden Estates Independent Senior Living in Williston and in Minneapolis, Minnesota as well as Marquis Plaza and Suites, currently Days Inn. He was a founding member of Inreit Investments in the 2000’s and retired in 2009. Throughout his life Vern also stayed involved with his family farm that he was very proud of. His favorite time of year was harvest and he cherished the time of togetherness when he and his brothers and nephews spent long hours out harvesting the fields.

Vernon was a dedicated lifetime member of St. Peters Episcopal Church in Williston, ND and a long-time member of the Elks Club, Moose Club and the Shriners. Vernon had a strong sense of community and stayed involved in charities and giving back throughout his life. He donated annually to the Owan scholarship for future farmers and artists at Williston State College.

In his leisure time Vern enjoyed playing cards with his pals and delighted in taking the occasional trip to Las Vegas with his beloved cousins. He also enjoyed watching sports and was a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings.

Most of all Vernon loved spending time with his family any chance he got. He loved his grandchildren and they loved spending time with him dearly. He always had a smile to give as well as good advice. His generous nature was well known by everyone. Many of his friends and family members looked up to him as a role model and a patriarch.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Karma of 54 years, his daughter Wendy Nolte (Owan) and son-in-law Scott Nolte of Leander, TX, and grandchildren Skye, 21, Madeline, 16, Noah, 11, and Beyla, 4. He also leaves his sister Agnes Nichol and brother Mitchell Owan and his wife Charmayne of Surprise, AZ. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Laurice and Waynne Rogers of Harper, TX. He also leaves several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Charles Owan and mother Rose, a sister Margaret Lee, brothers Charles Jr. (Chuck) and Abe Owan, along with his nieces Cathy Lee-Prell and Maxine Lee.