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Vernon E. Atwater, age 80, of Finlayson, Minn., died Monday, December 10, 2007, at his home in Pine Lake Township.

He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota August 30, 1927, to Edward and Teresa (Hughes) Atwater. He grew up in St. Paul and graduated from St. Paul VoTech (formerly Mechanic Arts). He was a U.S Navy veteran, serving as a machinist mate and was honorably discharged.

August 11, 1950, he married Janet Swenson. They lived in North Branch for 10 years before moving to Chisago City where they lived for 35 years. He later moved to Finlayson.

Vernon was president of Branch Manufacturing, a tool and die maker. He served as mayor of Chisago City, was a member of the Masonic Temple and trap shooting leagues and taught gun safety. He enjoyed golf, trap shooting, deer hunting and fishing and was known for his love of wildlife.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Russell.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Janet; his children: David (fiancée Patty Lilly) Atwater, Cynthia (Howard) Hultman, Susan (Steven) Landwehr, Candace (Phillip) Sutton, Pamela (Douglas) Jeans and Scott Atwater; 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are Friday, December 14, at 7 p.m., at Methven Funeral Home in Sandstone, Minn., with visitation from 4-7 p.m.

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