Vern was the first born child of Mildred Emilyne (Leines) and Leonard Vigoren. He was born on November 20, 1931, in his uncle's Rock's house in Bucyrus, ND. He and his family moved to Buffalo, SD, in time for him to start 1st grade. He attended Buffalo High School and graduated in 1950. To help his family out, he worked with his dad driving truck and did surveying with his future grandfather-inlaw. It wasn't all work, he liked to hunt pheasants and deer—and of course play pinochle whenever and wherever he could.

After high school, he attended college in Chadron, NE, for a year and then went to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology for about a year. But then he took a few months break from school to help his dad haul uranium-and that was enough time to make him eligible for the draft. He went into the Army in 1952 and after multiple promotions and commendations was a Sergeant of a survey crew in Korea. He got out of the army in 1954 and then married his long time sweetheart, Bonita "Bonnie" Rae Brengle, on October 30, 1954. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Petroleum Engineering from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1957. Phillips Petroleum recruited him for their Oil and Gas Exploration Program–and off they went to wherever Phillips sent them! They moved 14 different times including the longest stint in Anchorage, Alaska (in 1964 for 8 years). Moving to Anchorage after the Good Friday Earthquake was a risk, but he and his family enjoyed the beautiful untamed country, hunting and fishing, skiing and camping. It was in Anchorage, in 1971, where he got his Master's Degree in Petroleum
Engineering from the University of Alaska, Anchorage.

In 1992, after a successful career he and his wife, Bonnie, retired to their much-loved ranch in the Black Hills. They enjoyed traveling around the United States visiting friends and family. He was a great husband, father, big brother and devoted son. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attended their various sporting competitions. He golfed and exercised every week, weather permitting. He was active in community associations and his church.

LaVerne "Vern" Leonard Vigoren, age 84, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 16, 2015, at his ranch in Deadwood, SD.

Vern is survived by his four children; 10 grandchildren; 2 greatgrandchildren; and his 2 sisters, Jean Burghduff, and Venoy Stafford (Melvin). His eldest child, Judy Vigoren Bean married William Bean and they have 3 children and one grandchild: Erin Bean and her daughter, Katrina, Heather and Christopher. His first born son, Michael Vigoren, has 3 children and one grandchild: Tressa Vigoren and her son, Jace, Kaycee and Zane. Vern's second daughter, Kathy Vigoren Durch was married to the late Rick Durch and has two children: Mandi and Hayden. The youngest son, Robert Vigoren is married to Mary and has two children: Daniel and step-daughter, Katie Hahn (Derek).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Vigoren; his sister, Marlene Palczewski; and his brother, Melroy Vigoren.

Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Vern's honor by the family.

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