Vernon "Gabby" Hayes

Vernon "Gabby" Hayes, 79, Sturgeon Lake, formerly of Cloquet, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 in Duluth.

He was born on August 29, 1930 in Moose Lake to Cecil and Melva Hayes. Vern grew up and attended Moose Lake High School. On September 1, 1950, Vern married Lyn Kohtala in Kettle River. They lived in Cloquet where Vern raised beef cattle and farmed through the years. Vern worked for Duluth Laundry and later owned and operated Standard Oil in Cloquet where he delivered bulk fuel. Vern also owned and operated Evergreen Lanes in Cloquet with a friend. He was a Deputy Sheriff for Carlton County for over 15 years retiring in 1989. After his retirement, they moved to Sun Bay in Sturgeon Lake and also wintered in Mesa, AZ.
Vern loved to golf and was a member of the Moose Lake Golf Course and its Wednesday Senior Men's League. He also enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and cards, especially poker. Vern truly loved being a Dad and Grandpa.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Cecil and Melva Hayes; and his brother: Leonard Hayes.
Vern will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Lyn; three children: Cheryl (Terry) Thomson of Forest Lake; Lynda (Barry) Pink of Solon Springs; and Kelly Hayes of Minneapolis; four grandchildren: Judd Thomson, Tiffany (Joel) Karns,
Ryan (April) Rennquist, and Casey (Annette) Rennquist;
four great grandchildren: Kelsey, Caroline, Gabriella, and Colten;
his sister: Beverly Drentlaw of Esko; and many friends.

A Gathering of Family and Friends was held from 10 am until the 11 AM Memorial service on Monday, September 28, 2009 in Hope Lutheran Church, Moose Lake.

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.