Vern Davis

Vern Davis, 85, Mandan, North Dakota, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at a local hospital. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, January 9, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church, Mandan with Rev. Deanna Reikow officiating. Friends and family will gather one hour prior to the service. A private burial will be held at the Moffit Cemetery at a later date.

Vern was born February 29, 1940, in Steele, North Dakota, to Phillip and Esther Davis. He was raised in Hazelton, North Dakota and graduated from Hazelton High School. He attended Bismarck Junior College and Valley City State where he earned his teaching degree. Vern continued his education at the University of South Dakota where he obtained his master’s degree in biology in 1975.

Vern’s love of basketball began in high school when he played for the Hazelton Tigers. He went on to play at Bismarck Junior College and Valley City State University. A highlight of his college career was playing in the NAIA national tournament in Kansas City, MO in 1960. Vern was amazed that a bunch of short grass country boys from North Dakota made it to the “Big Dance.” His basketball team was inducted into the Valley City State Hall of Fame in 1990.

On December 27, 1961, he married his dancing partner for life, Beverly Edwards. Vern’s teaching career took them to the northeastern part of North Dakota where he taught in Walhalla. In 1967, they moved to Mandan where he accepted a teaching position at Mandan Junior High. He continued his career at Mandan High School as a biology teacher. Vern retired in 1995 after hundreds of students passed through his classroom doors and numerous trips were taken during the summer biology courses. He was honored to be awarded the 1995 ND Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics.

After retiring from teaching, Vern became the Director of Morton County Parks. Much of his time and effort was spent overseeing the creation of Harmon Lake Recreational Area.

Over the years, Vern was involved in many clubs to include Westerners, Life Member of the Elks Club, Boy Scout Cub Master, and a Deacon and Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church. Vern was an avid fan of the Bismarck Larks and enjoyed many games with his family. Deer hunting season was always a special time with his boys, a family tradition that is cherished each year. He rarely missed a Twins baseball game, the ever-optimistic fan hoping next year would be the one!

Vern is survived by his children, Phillip (Kim), Mandan, Amy (Greg) Dahmus, Bismarck, and Jonathan (Daphne), Mandan; six grandchildren, Derek (Brittney) Davis and Kelly (Bryce) Andresen, Kiara Dahmus (Sam Merenda), Carter Dahmus, Noah Davis and Montana Davis; two great grandchildren, Lincoln and Kamry Andresen; his siblings, Kay Oldenburger, Fran (Wayne) Sorensen, Tom (Stephanie) Davis, sisters in-law, Arlene Davis and Sharon Sundby; numerous nieces and nephews; his best four legged buddy Taco.

Vern was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, his parents; brother, Don; father and mother-in-law, Neil and Beth Edwards; brother-in-law, Alan Sundby; and niece, Debbie Oldenburger.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Mandan, Miles of Love Dog Rescue or Mandan Public Schools Foundation for Education.