Vernon Fred Santjer

The funeral service for Vernon Santjer, 79, of Renville, will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 4, 2022, at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Renville. A livestream and recording of the service will be available on the church's Facebook page. Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the church and will continue one hour prior to the service Friday. A private family interment will take place on a later date. Vernon Fred Santjer was born October 24, 1942, in Crooks Township, Renville County, to Fred and Mamie (Ammermann) Santjer. Vernon grew up on his family farm North of Renville and graduated from Renville High School. He served in the U.S. Army, and later as a volunteer fireman. On August 15, 1964, he was united in marriage to Joan Johnson at First Lutheran Church in Renville. The couple made their home in Renville and raised two children, Laura and John. Vernon worked in sales and operated his own truck in the road construction industry most of his adult life. In his free time, Vernon enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending time with friends and family. He treated many families, friends, and neighbors with his excellent bread and cinnamon rolls, as well as vegetables and salsa from his garden. He liked to be active, and always looked forward to his weekly card club. Faith and family were most important to Vernon. He also loved his community; he and Joan often drove to other small towns in the area to support different events and organizations. Vernon loved to smile and was constantly visiting with neighbors and friends and enjoyed meeting new people. He had a big heart who loved to give and enjoyed volunteering and helping others. Vernon died on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at the Waters of Eden Prairie Assisted Living, where he had moved to be closer to family. He is survived by his daughter Laura (Keith) Eilertson of Northwood, IA; son John (Jessica) Santjer of Eden Prairie; grandchildren Tyler (special friend Amber) Hemingsen, Dylan (fiancée Samantha) Hemingsen, Josie Santjer, and Joey Santjer; great-grandchildren Bently and Nolan; brother-in-law Dennis Johnson of Renville; sister-in-law Elaine Goodall of Littleton, CO; as well as other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Mamie, wife Joan, sister Sylvia (Roger) Hoffman.