Vernolle M. Hill, age 80 of Bottineau, passed away Wednesday, November 21st, 2018 at St. Andrew's Hospital. Visitation will be held Monday, November 26th, 2018 at Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau, from 4:00-9:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday at the funeral home with burial to follow at Oak Creek Cemetery.

Vernolle Morris Hill, son of Chester and Mary (Fitzgerald) Hill, was born September 5th, 1938 in Bottineau, ND. He was raised in Dunseith, and graduated from Dunseith H.S. in 1958. He went on to Hanson Trade School to study auto mechanics. In March of 1963, Vernolle enlisted in the US Army, serving in Korea until his discharge in February of 1965. Following his discharge, he returned to Dunseith before going on to Seattle, WA to work for the Boeing Corporation. Vernolle later traveled to California, where he worked as a cook for a few years. He returned to Dunseith, where he worked for Jay Lamoureux, at Lamoureux Brothers. Vernolle later purchased the business with Bob Thompson. After that venture, he went on to work for Border States Paving until retirement. He was a member of the Dunseith American Legion, and served as vice president of the Bottineau Senior Citizen Center for many years.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, pinochle and canasta in his spare time. He also enjoyed going to the races in both Bottineau and Minot. Vernolle loved watching his grandchildren play baseball and hockey. He had a special place in his heart for his beloved dogs, Chino and Tipper, and they could be often seen going on their daily rides around town. He loved to cook and besides having a big heart – he had a big appetite for candy, popcorn, chips, and his nightly serving of ice cream. Family meant the world to Vernolle. He especially loved the holidays when he would take many pictures and videos of his grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as Boppa.

He was married to Joanne Owsley and 2 children were born to this marriage, which later ended. In December 1987, Vernolle married Helen Hahn Hill, and remained married until her passing on December 28, 2013.

Vernolle is survived by a son Lavern (Minot) and daughter Lavonne (Jeromy) Henderson (Minot), 2 stepsons, Troy (Robin) Hill of Bottineau, Byron (Chassidy) of Dunseith, and stepdaughter Melanie Hill. Brother Kenny (Neva Rainey) of Dunseith, sisters, Elve Fuchs of Bismarck, and Marvel Thompson of Bottineau. He was the proud Boppa of 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Vernolle is preceded in death by his wife Helen, sister Arla Hiatt, and brother-in-law, Wallace Hiatt.