Vernon Eugene Hollingsworth was born March 9, 1929 to Harley B. and Helen J. (Peterson) Hollingsworth in rural Murray County near Walnut Grove, MN. He was baptized and confirmed in the Holly Methodist Church. He attended rural school district #24 through the 8th grade and then graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1947. He was engaged in farming. On October 12, 1949, he and Helen Have were united in marriage at the Holly Methodist Church with Rev. Gerald Morgan officiating. Vern was treasurer of the Holly Church for many years. He also served 12 years on the Holly Township board and 13 years as a director on the board of the Tracy Farmers Elevator. He worked part time as an adjuster for Federal Crop Insurance, and in the Kansas City office of FCIC. He was a charter member of the Tracy Lions Club, serving as President and Zone Chairman. In 1987, Vern and Helen bought a crop insurance agency in Benson and moved there to make their home. They owned and operated the Hollingsworth Agency until 1993 when he retired. Vern joined the Pilgrim Congregational UCC Church in 1988. He served a term as a trustee, several terms on the Diaconate, and was a member of the Accessibility committee. He volunteered often to deliver Meals on Wheels and with Lutheran Social Services. Vern was a member of the Benson Golf Club and the Swift Lodge #129 of Masons in Benson where he was named Master of the Lodge in 1997 and received the Hiram Award. He loved to fish, hunt, play golf, and especially to mow his lawn and keep his yard looking beautiful. Vern also loved to read, spend time with his children and grandchildren, and walk with his faithful dog while he had him. He looked forward to the days when he could sit in his sunroom and watch all of the wildlife activity on the Chippewa River. Vern died February 5, 2013 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital after an illness of 30 days. He was 83 years, 10 months of age. He is survived by his wife, Helen; sons, David (Cindy) of Kingman, AZ, and Thomas (Jill) of Benson, MN; daughter, Wendy (Tim) Sigrist of White Bear Lake, MN; former daughter-in-law, Jeanette Lerohl of Tracy, MN; ten grandchildren, Shannon (Brian) Voges of Sioux Falls, SD, Jaime (John) Byers of Walnut Grove, MN, Justin (Alicia) Hollingsworth of Kingman, AZ, Jed (Jordyn) Hollingsworth of Glendale, AZ, Ashley Sigrist (fiancé Scott Maki) of Pine City, MN, Nicholas Sigrist of Maplewood, MN, J.J. (Kami) Gladis of Brandon, SD, Jesse (Lori) Gladis of Luverne, MN, Jenilee (Josh) Davidson of Brooklyn Center, MN, Joshua Gladis of Morris, MN; eight great-grandchildren, Courtnee and Caitlynn Byers, Keisha Voges, Dillon Hollingsworth, Hailey and Karter Gladis, Brielle and Micah Davidson; one great-great-granddaughter expected in March; his sisters, Ludema (Francis) Kassel of Tracy, MN, Joyce (Stanley) Severson of Westbrook, MN, and Jeane Carter of Tracy, MN; sister-in-law, Helen Hollingsworth of Pipestone, MN; sister-in-law, Vonnie Hollingsworth of Dovray, MN; and brother-in-law, Dale Schmalz of Mora, MN. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; brothers, Leonard and Chet; and sister, Joane Schmalz.
