Vernon Albertson

Vernon Albertson, PhD, age 86, of Roseville, MN, passed away on Saturday morning, June 6th, 2015, at St. Therese Hospice Center in Shoreview, MN. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 64 years, Bernice of Roseville, MN; sons Eric (Jan) Albertson of Anoka, MN, Leif Albertson, and Todd (Martha) Albertson all of Arden Hills, MN; daughters, Ann (David) Jackson of Minneapolis, MN and Kara (Richard) Mencel of Egan, MN; 12 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Hannah (Dullum) Albertson, sisters, Hazel Jappe and Clarice Hovde; brothers: Noman, Lester, Loyal, and Gordy. Vernon was born in Syre, MN, on September 28, 1928, and attended a one-room school house before going to Twin Valley for high school. It was there that he met the girl of his dreams, and future wife, Bernice Hanson. He was a gifted runner, and as a senior in 1946, won the State Track Meet 880 yard half mile event in 2:02. He was the youngest of seven children and the only one in his family to graduate from high school. He attended North Dakota State University receiving a BS degree in Electrical Engineering, then went on to earn a Master’s Degree from the University of Minnesota, and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Vernon was a Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Minnesota for most of his career, with prior teaching experience at North Dakota State University and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He was admired by his students for his ability to teach the complex courses related to electric power systems. He was a respected advisor for students providing inspiration and guidance. He was also known worldwide for his research in protecting power systems from the effects of geomagnetic storms. He created the Center for Electric Energy within the U of M Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, forming a collaboration between the U of M and utility leaders. Vernon was proud of his Norwegian heritage, and was his family’s historian and genealogical expert. Lefse, boiled potatoes and Lutefisk (presented with much melted butter) graced the plates of family members at Christmas. And when it came to dessert, he would have a little pie or krumkake with his whipped cream. Vernon enjoyed the outdoors, and taught his family to appreciate God’s creation of forests, prairies, lakes, creeks, and wildlife. He and Bernice greatly enjoyed sunsets. It is no coincidence that their pre-purchased cemetery monument already faces west and that their final resting place in Twin Valley will have a view to the setting sun. Vernon was a loving and caring son, brother, uncle, dad and grandpa to our family. He was an especially devoted husband to his wife, Bernice, and cared for her as she battled the debilitating effects of dementia for over six years. Vernon’s strong Christian Lutheran faith sustained him through these tough times. We celebrate the life of our dear father, knowing that he is rejoicing with his Heavenly Father, and helping to prepare a place where he and our mother will eventually be together. Memorial gifts to the Vernon Albertson family will be used to establish an endowment for scholarships to North Dakota State University (NDSU) for students entering the engineering program. NDSU was the college that gave a motivated young man, from the rural Red River Valley, his start in making the world a better place. We wish to honor our father’s legacy by providing a means for others like him to begin their journey. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. at Incarnation Lutheran Church in Shoreview with Visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. On Friday, June 19th, there will be a visitation at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. followed by a Graveside Service at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Twin Valley. Click here to see Star Tribune Tribute

Vernon Albertson

September 28, 1928 - June 6, 2015