Vernon J. Bolstad, 99, of Austin, Minn., died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, at Comforcare Good Samaritan.

Vernon was born Sept. 19, 1913, in New Ulm, Minn., to John and Mary (Hrusa) Bolstad. He graduated from New Ulm High School. Vernon served in the United States Navy during World War II as a steam engineer and married Frances Groebner of Springfield in 1943. He was discharged from the Navy at the end of WWII with the rank of chief petty officer.

After living in Winona, Minn., for a brief time, the family moved to Austin in 1945. Vernon worked for the Hormel Company for 33 years in the engine room. He retired in 1978.

Vernon was an avid Twins fan, enjoyed pheasant hunting and fishing, and was an auto racing enthusiast. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church. Vernon will be deeply missed by friends and family.

Survivors include two sons, Robert Bolstad, New Hope, Minn., and John Bolstad, LaCrosse, Wis.; sister, Maxine Lilja, Monticello, Minn.; brothers-in-law, Max (Ardis) Groebner, New Ulm and Andrew Fredrickson, Minneapolis; nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Frances, on Jan. 17, 2012.

A celebration of life will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2013, at the American Legion Club. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post No. 91. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the local food shelf. Arrangements by Mayer Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.mayerfh.com.