Child of the Prairie, Man of the World: The Memoirs of LaVern "Vern" Freeh

Book review by Reuben Tschritter, West Fargo, North Dakota

Tufte, LaVern “Vern” Freeh and Lori Freeh. Child of the Prairie, Man of the World: The Memoirs of LaVern “Vern” Freeh. North Dakota State University Libraries, Germans from Russia Heritage Collection, Fargo, North Dakota, 2005.

Imagine the possibilities of a life lived to the fullest. This is what LaVern Freeh has written in his book which is a dialogue of the life he lives and the positive influence he has had on others. He has used his unique God-given talents for the good of the world, turning dreams into reality, setting an example through what he did which made a difference in so many peoples’ lives. His writings take you right into the scenes he is describing whether he is riding in his childhood wagon, his school days, his achievements, his marriages, the birth of his children, or meeting world leaders. The “Child of the Prairie” reflections bring back memories of our own growing up days. The “Man of the World” descriptions describe what happened to the great teacher and coach that we had as a mentor and friend when we were students at Linton High School. Vern knew each student individually and he went the extra mile to help each student succeed in his classes, the FFA program, and in coaching athletics. Many honors and trophies were won by the FFA students, the football program, boxing program, and the track program under the direction of Vern Freeh. Vern can be described as a motivator of people and someone who produced champions.

This educator went on to make very significant contributions to the world at large. Let me take this opportunity to express my highest regards to Vern Freeh and for what he stands for. He had made an enormous impact on my life and the lives of so many others for which I will always be grateful. A German from Russia, who took his heritage very serious and put into practice the values of that heritage to become a key figure in the world of agriculture.

As you read Vern’s wisdom, advice, and personal stories, keep in mind that he has already done what he is talking about. He isn’t talking theory. Vern is talking reality!

Vern Freeh not only received a great legacy but he is passing on a cherished legacy to his family, friends, and peoples of the world. The world desperately needs people of vision and personal convictions like Vern Freeh to do what is right regardless of personal cost.

Even though he claims to be retired, Vern maintains a life of doing all the good he can, to as many as he can, for as long as he can. It is my priviledge to recommend Vern Freeh’s book, “Child of the Prairie, Man of the World” which is filled with great insight and practical suggestions on living a life with an attitude of gratitude because life is what you make of it. Read it and pass it on to someone who can benefit from a man who turned his dreams into reality.

I think Paul J. Meyer summed up Vern Freeh’s life well when he said, “It doesn’t matter what we start with. It is the end product that counts.”

Our appreciation is extended to Reuben Tschritter for this book review.