Vern was born in Hartland, Minn., on Nov. 12, 1920, and was the oldest of nine children. He lived and worked on the family farm until he enlisted in the Army in World War II. He served driving tanks in North Africa until his honorable discharge in 1944.

He followed the love of his life to Seattle soon afterwards and they were married in 1946.

They settled in the Bothell area where he raised his family and operated his barbershop business for over 50 years. Vern loved watching baseball (Go Mariners!), and boy did he have his opinions. He enjoyed traveling in his motor home, fishing with his family and watching his grandkids grow.

He is preceded in death by Lillian (Babe), his wife of 56 years. He is also survived by his son, Glenn Bartness and wife Esther; daughter, Connie Shelton and husband Hoby; four grandchildren, Jessica and Jacob Bartness and Dustin and Sara Shelton.

He also leaves behind twobrothers and two sisters, Donnie Bartness, Merle Bartness, Doris Segurdson, and Jeanie Holland, all of Minnesota.

A memorial service will be held on Feb. 28, at 1:30 p.m. at the Bothell First Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, to honor his service in the military, the family suggests donations to: Operation Homefront: Washington Chapter, PO Box 704, Snohomish, WA 98291.