Roseau Times-Region - Serving Roseau County for over 100 Years - The Official Roseau County Newspaper

Embarrass - Vernon Donald Kompelien, age 85, of Embarrass, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 22, 2017 in his home near his loved ones.

He was born in Pinecreek, the son of Oluf and Anna (Knutson) Kompelien. Referred to as Donnie during his lifetime, he was raised speaking mostly Norwegian until he entered school. He farmed with his family until entering the U.S. Navy, serving from 1952-1956. He served on the USS Purdy DD-734 and visited 32 foreign countries during the Korean Conflict. During his service, he had a bespoke silk dress made for his sweetheart, Audrinne, in Asia, and also p...