Vernon Philip Jeannotte, 94, of Medina, ND passed away peacefully on 11/3/2023 with his children by his side.
Vern was born on 11/12/1928 in Minot, ND to Samuel and Mary Jane Jeannotte (née Richard). Growing up in Minot, Vern spent many hours joyfully skating on the Souris River and pursuing his passion for sports. As a teenager he worked at Saunder’s Drug—an experience that would first pique his interest in a career in pharmacy.
After graduating from Minot High, Vern enlisted in the Navy where he was a hospital corpsman at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, California. Upon returning to Minot, he enrolled at Minot State College where he played football. To pursue his studies in pharmacy, Vern transferred to NDSU where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. A proud North Dakotan, he remained a lifelong Bison fan.
Vern took what he thought would be a temporary job in Medina where he met the love of his life, Shirley Arlene Fischer. They married on July 27th, 1956, and together operated Medina Drug and the Medina Beauty Salon for decades before Vern joined the pharmacy team at the State Hospital in Jamestown. He took great pride in his profession as a pharmacist and maintained his license until he was 85.
Vern loved living in Medina and had an active presence in the community. He was instrumental in establishing the local clinic and an affordable housing project. He belonged to the Lion’s Club, American Legion, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Vern also served on the school board and loved doing projects to support the development of community—including building a running track, a soccer field, and helping to start a Boy Scout troop. In his retirement, he loved to teach young people how to shoot free throws— which often included sharing some life lessons along with basketball.
A voracious reader, he also loved music and all kinds of art. Vern had a clever sense of humor, was endlessly curious about life, and had a deep compassion for others. He loved hunting—mostly for the benefit of his beloved Springer Spaniels, which he trained for field trial competitions across the Midwest. Later, while living with his son and daughter in Minnesota, he took great pleasure in his daily jigsaw puzzles.
Vern was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley, his parents, and his sisters, Myrtle Horton, Justine Zollinger, and Marie “Mickey” Saunders, whom he loved with all his heart. Vern is survived by daughter Marie Jeannotte-Cur (Nejat), son, Paul Jeannotte (Sue); grandchildren Serin Niederman (Justin) and Eren Cur (Jenna); and great-grandchildren Mason and Lara Niederman, and Margot Cur.
Visitation – 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 10, 2023 at Eddy Funeral Home.
Rosary – 6:30 p.m., Friday at the funeral home.
Mass of Christian Burial – 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 11, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Medina, with a luncheon to follow.
Burial – Calvary Cemetery, Jamestown.
Memorials are preferred to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, PO Box 87, Steele, ND 58482
Eddy Funeral Home.