Verne Comstock Sr., former resident of St. Anthony Park, died May 26 surrounded by his family. He had served his country in North Africa, Sicily and Italy during World War II, then came home to earn a Ph.D. in agronomy and plant genetics, researching flax varieties for the USDA in California and at the University of Minnesota. He was a contemporary of Norman Borlaug. Verne developed a drought- and rust- resistant strand of flax.
He bought 21 Langford Park in 1956 and raised his six kids in the house. He was a Langford Booster member and would hold skate swaps on the front porch of his house. He planted pine trees in Langford Park and was active with the seniors group that meets on Wednesdays at the Methodist church.
He loved sports of all kinds, playing handball into his 70s and holding Vikings season tickets. Verne was a member of the Golden K Kiwanis Club and sang with the North Suburban Chorus. He was a member of Centennial United Methodist Church in Roseville.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Allison and Russell; sister, Susan Wildas; and first wife, Bettie. He is survived by his wife, Erma; children, Verne Jr. (Judy), Pamela Ehrhardt (Jim), Barbara Comstock (Peter Soukup), Gayle Curtis (Jim), Manny (Becky), Jane Rohrman (Bob), Jim D. Sentz (Katie), Reggie Gloystein (Lou) and Natalie Sentz (Don Dudley); 15 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.
Verne was interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on June 6. A service followed at Centennial United Methodist Church.
