Vernon Douglas Thacker

Vernon "Doug" Thacker

Vernon "Doug" Thacker of Wyoming, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at the University of Minnesota Medical Center on September 14, 2026, at the age of 72.

Doug was born in Elkins, West Virginia, to Vernon and Betty Thacker. Growing up in an Air Force family, with his brother Jeff, he experienced life in many places and developed an early appreciation for service, adventure, aviation, and the world around him.

Following high school, Doug joined the United States Air Force, beginning a career of service to his country that would become one of the defining chapters of his life. He proudly served for more than 21 years and attained the rank of Master Sergeant. His military career took him to assignments in Turkey, New Jersey, California, Nebraska, and Germany, among other places.

Doug was a deeply devoted patriot and believed strongly in the freedom and ideals of the United States. He carried that sense of duty and love of country throughout his life. His passion for aviation also remained with him long after his military career ended. His years of service gave Doug an opportunity to see the world, and he embraced it.

Over the course of his life, he traveled to more than 100 countries, experiencing cultures, people, and places that most can only imagine. His curiosity and adventurous spirit were a constant part of who he was. During his military years, Doug met the love of his life, Delores. They married in Papillion, Nebraska, and began a life together that would span 46 years. After retiring from the Air Force, Doug continued his career with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other organizations.

While Doug was proud of his military service and his many travels, his greatest devotion was to his family. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren deeply and was immensely proud of them. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose family was at the center of his life.

Some of Doug's happiest times were spent at Pelican Lake in Orr, Minnesota, where he could enjoy one of his favorite pastimes-fishing. Away from the responsibilities of work and the adventures of travel, the lake provided a place to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and make memories with the people he loved.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Delores; son Nichlaus (Katie) Thacker; daughter Jessica (Jake) Grindeland; grandchildren Henry, Hazel, Mahlina, Gordon, and Lilliana; brother Jeff (Becky) Thacker; and many other family members and friends whose lives he touched.

Doug lived a life defined by service, adventure, freedom, and family. He served his country, traveled the world, pursued his love of aviation and fishing, and most importantly, devoted himself to the people he loved. His legacy will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, and the many people fortunate enough to have known him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Betty Thacker.

A funeral service will be held at Mueller Memorial, 835 Johnson Parkway, Saint Paul, MN 55106. More details to be announced.

Military honors will be performed at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 1:45 PM on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Those who wish to attend should arrive no later than 1:45 PM, enter through the second entrance, and gather at Assembly area 2 (Scan QR code below for directions). Please wait in your vehicles upon arrival for procession to the committal shelter for the presentation of Military Honors. 

He served his country. He explored the world. He loved his family. And he leaves behind a legacy that will live on for generations.