Vern Kenneth Southworth

Vern Kenneth Southworth, 96, of Westfield, passed away August 3, 2023. He was born in Park City, Montana to the late Joseph Vern and Edna Margaret Southworth née Gillanders on June 15, 1927.

Vern Served in the Navy aboard the USS Sargent Bay during operation Magic Carpet in WWII and again as a radioman during the Korean Conflict.

He obtained his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Montana State College. He began his career with the Northern Pacific Railroad, and he worked for the railroad until his retirement from the Burlington Northern. He also volunteered as a firefighter for the Cottage Grove, MN FD for many years. Vern was an active member of his church, and his favorite memory was joining other volunteers in building a home for the Havasupai Tribe in the Grand Canyon. Vern was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, enjoyed genealogy, backpacking in the Rockies, fishing, working in the yard, and being with family.

Vern is survived by his son, Matthew; daughter, Rebecca (Mark) Nazarenus; grandchildren, Erica (Ryan) Dick, Rachel (Austin) Beachy, Laura Southworth, and Jacob (Kristin) Southworth; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirlee Evelyn Southworth; sisters, Ednamae Wold and JoAnn Wagner; and brothers, John, George, and Charles.

Services will be held privately.

Memorial contributions can be made to Indy Honor Flight at www.indyhonorflight.org .

Arrangements entrusted to Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary. Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.arnmortuary.com.