LaVern "Vern" E. Unger

LaVern Erwin Unger was born December 2, 1935, to Abram and Anna (Unrau) Unger on the family farm in Lustre, Montana. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point, Montana, just four days after celebrating his 90th birthday.

Early Life and Service

From a very young age, Vern loved to work with all kinds of materials, knowing he could craft something unique or make something even better just by using his hands and his natural creativity.

This creative spirit led him, during his high school years, to seek education and opportunities away from the farm in Hutchinson, Kansas. Amidst his second year of schooling, and living on a high schooler's salary, he decided to enter the workforce, taking on jobs with custom cutting crews and mine work.

In 1954, Vern enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving with honor as a mechanic in the 3201st Aircraft Repair Squadron at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. He received an honorable discharge in 1956.

Professional Life

After returning home to Montana briefly, Vern ventured to Washington where he co-founded V&B Design, a cabinetry business, with Bob Baerg. During this time, he met and later married Delores Dahl, warmly welcoming three beautiful stepdaughters into his life: Wendy, Devorah, and Johanna. The couple later moved to California and eventually parted ways amicably.

In 1972, Vern became a successful entrepreneur in Corian materials with his creation of Artistic Countertops in Chatsworth, California, which remains in operation today. Through his business, he formed lasting friendships, particularly with Darla Hernandez, his longtime Corian supplier, and Roger Galeana, who worked with him for over 35 years. Roger ultimately acquired the business upon Vern's retirement in 2008, when Vern returned home to Montana.

Preceded in Death

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Abram and Anna; brother Ed; sisters Helen, Rose (Hank) Friesen, Leatha (Ed) Brown, and LaVera Unger; sister-in-law Charlotte Unger; nephews Murray Brown and Glenn Friesen; and his cousin Willard Toavs.

Survived By

Vern is survived by his brother Larry Unger; niece Christa (William) Wagner and their children Bear (Jess) and Brendan Wagner; nephew David (Christine) Unger and daughter Lena Chamberlain; nephews, Stan (Sonja) Friesen and children Denae and Teagan; Bryce (Rose) Unger and children Jordan, Nicholas, Madison, and Chalee; Wayne (Glenda) Brown and children Miranda and Logan. He is also survived by nieces Carol Grigg, Betsy Adams, Denise (Tom) Green and children Jason, Amber, David, and Nathan; Jackie (Jerry) Handran and children Kelli, Darla, and Shannon; Brenda Levesconte and children Daniel and Carol; Valerie (Don) Nickel and son Damian; Cheryl Woody and daughter Tiffany. Vern's cousins include Ferris (Sharon) Toavs and their sons Scott (Jessica) and Troy; Eileen (Don) Traeholt and children Linette (Kerry), Bradley (Abby), Wesley (Stacey), Tammy (Anthony), and Rachael; Gene (Katherine) Baerg and children Monica and Nathan; Karen Waller and children Sandy, Michael, and Bob; Willard Toavs and children Kelly (Michelle), Brent, and Janelle; and Patricia (Sid) Rice.

In Memoriam

Vern will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, his deep Montana roots, and the large, loving family he leaves behind. His 90 years of life touched many, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

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If we have failed to mention anyone, please know it was not intentional.