Vernon James Schlichting

Vernon James Schlichting, 80, of Cloquet, Minn., passed away very peacefully on Saturday, June 2, 2012, in Community Memorial Hospital, Cloquet. He was born on Sept. 29, 1931, in Royalton, Minn., and later moved with his family to Duluth, Minn. Vern was a young entrepreneur, selling Liberty magazines with his brother Al at the young age of 9-10. He then ran a successful shoe shine stand near the Greyhound Bus Depot for several years. Vern started his career with U.S. Steel at the age of 15. He worked as a crane operator, instrument repairman and foreman prior to his retirement at the age of 45. After retirement, he and his brother Al worked together repairing appliances. He also served in the United States Army. Vern loved the Minnesota Vikings and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He treasured his time spent at the hunting shack with his father, brother and nephews. His greatest accomplishment in life was his family. He loved his daughter, step-children, sons-in-law and grandchildren unconditionally and wholeheartedly. His family meant the world to him.