Verne was born January 11, 1944 in Minot, North Dakota, the son of Carl F. and Isabel (Myers) Zietlow. He was raised and educated in Minot where he graduated from the Minot High School. Verne attended Minot State University and then entered the United States Army where he served his country during the Vietnam War. Verne was united in marriage to Virginia M. Latzel on July 28, 1968 in Columbus, Georgia. Verne and his family lived in Marshalltown where he was employed by Chicago Northwestern Railroad for over 19 years and Construct for over 8 years. In earlier years Verne enjoyed drag racing at the Eddyville Speedway and in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Most of all Verne enjoyed spending time with his two granddaughters Kelsi and Alex. Verne was a member of the V.F.W. Harry C. Harter Post # 839 in Marshalltown.

Verne is survived by his wife Virginia of Marshalltown, his son Todd Zietlow of St. Louis, Missouri, his son Troy (Denee) Zietlow of Des Moines, his step-daughter Nadine (Craig) Broyles of Marshalltown, his sister Donna (Albert) Wolf of Dickinson, North Dakota, his sister Carol Jean Knutson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, his sister Joanne (Darrell) Markle of Velva, North Dakota, his sister Eileen (David) Knutson of San Francisco, California and his two granddaughters Kelsi and Alex Zietlow of Des Moines.

Verne was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Don.