Vevea, Bernerd M. "Bernie" Age 78, of Anoka, died on Feb. 16, 2015. Bernie was born in Anoka, where he lived his entire life. With a rich memory of the community, Bernie was consulted often for validation of historical happenings. He graduated from Anoka High School in 1956. As a decorated athlete he and his best friend Marty Weidenbach were the co-captains of the first Anoka High School hockey team. He served nine proud years in the Anoka National Guard as the Sergeant in charge of the wire division. He worked at Bishman Manufacturing for 15 years as a tool and die maker designing new products in their line of tire servicing equipment. Bernie exemplified the true meaning of an entrepreneurship using the "Rub Goldberg Method" which means anything laying around could be used to design and build a new product. In 1969 he and Carol decided that a little aluminum casting step Bernie designed for his boat could be sold to the marine industry's dealerships. This led to the inception of VE-VE Inc., a business producing over 300 marine products all stamped with "Made in the USA." He retired to his much loved flower beds and yard work, turning the day-to-day business operations over to his sons. Still under his tutelage, John and Patrick have expanded VE-VE Inc. to online international sales exceeding Bernie's dreams and expectations. Preceded in death by his parents, Everette and Corinne (nee Stine) Vevea; sisters, Katherine and Pat; and brother, Curtis. He is also preceded by his many aunts, uncles and cousins. Bernie is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carol (nee Gliniany); loving father to John (Lory), Patrick "Chunk" and his special friend Julie Kaufmann, and Terrie (Mike Damian) Vevea; grandchildren, Michell (Josh) Green, Nick (Madison Marsh) Mahle, Amanda and Raechel Vevea; his first great-grandson, Miles Mahle; sister, Margie and sister-in-law, Dolores. Memorial Mass Monday, Feb. 23, 2015, 11 AM at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 525 Jackson St., Anoka. Visitation one hour prior to Mass at the church only. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Anoka Lions Club, PO Box 171, Anoka, MN 55303, the Jesuit Retreat House, 8243 Demontreville Trail N., Lake Elmo, MN 55042, or to Common Hope, PO Box 8228, St. Paul, MN 55108. Please add "Bernerd Vevea" on the memo line on your check. Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home Anoka 763-421-0220