Ishpeming- Vernon G. Jarvinen, age 71, longtime Ishpeming resident, passed away Thursday, April 10, 2008 at his home.

Vernon was born July 13, 1936 to Victor & Linda Jarvinen in Ishpeming's Bell Hospital. He received infant Christian baptism in the Lutheran Church.

Vernon attended public school, and graduated from Northern Michigan University, receiving a Bachelors of Science degree and an Associate's degree in the discipline of Law Enforcement from the Criminal Justice Department in 1977 and 1979.

As a youngster, Vernon loved skii-jumping and never placed lower than 5th place in any sanctioned tournament in the Central Division, USSA.

Vernon became involved in baseball when he signed baseball contracts with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Braves. He played with many Independent teams in Minor League baseball. He also represented both the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers briefly, in the Upper Peninsula as a scout.

Vernon was trained in the Bavarian Alps in Germany, by the 1st Battle Group 5th Infantry in demolitions, in the experimental "Pentomie" Army. Vernon received an Honorable discharge from the VI Corps.

Vern's great passion was a "project" thirty years continuous… he was trying to EXONERAT the Holy Savior Jesus in a public trial in the Criminal Courts of Jerusalem, Israel… in an attempt to bring Peace to Palestine and Israel by constructing a House of Prayer for all faiths; Jewish, Islam and... Christianity.

Survivors include his sister Linda Lou (Don) Asmund of Humboldt, and brother Victor (Timmee) Jarvinen of Ishpeming along with nieces and nephews. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Bruce and an infant brother Franklin Dennis.

A graveside service will be held 10:00am Wednesday April 16, 2008 at the Ishpeming Cemetery with Rev Lauri O. Maki officiating.

Memorials may be directed to the Karl Jarvinen Seminary Fund c/o Bethel Lutheran Church, Ishpeming, MI.

Vernon's obituary may also be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where his guest book may be signed.