Vern M. Bricker 90 of Avon passed away June 24, 2020 at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb. Vern was born on a farm in McDonough County Illinois, the seventh son of Charles and Signa Doderlein-Bricker. He moved to the family farm near Avon when he was 5 years of age. Vern attended Star Grade School, Avon High School, and the University of Illinois – Galesburg. He served in the United States Air Force for 4 years during the Korean conflict. Vern was an instructor in the airplane and engine mechanics school at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi Mississippi and at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls Texas. He received a special commendation for having been an outstanding instructor while in Wichita Falls. He married Patricia Ann Moran at St. Patrick’s Church in Galesburg, IL on October 7,1948. She preceded him in death March 7, 2018.
Vern farmed west of Avon for 47 years, from 1952-1999. He was a Dekalb seed corn dealer and served on the board of directors of Prairie Farms Creamery in Mr. Sterling Illinois. He served on the Avon District 176 Board of Education and was instrumental in the formation of the Little Swan Lake development. Vern also was a trustee of the Avon Fire Department during the construction of the present fire department building. He was a leader of the Greenbush Busy Buckeyes 4-H club for 10 years.
He is survived by daughter-in law Carol (Mike) of Peoria, son Dan (Cheryl) of Bensenville, daughters Kathleen (Jim) Percy of Macomb, Theresa (Cary) Pierce of Wheaton, and Charlotte (Greg) Chatterton of Ellisville. Vern was also the proud grandfather of 17 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.
Vern was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Signa Doderlein-Bricker as well as his stepfather Cecil Didlock, brothers Don, Bob, Bruce, Lyle, Leo, and Max. He was also preceded in death by son Rusty in 2008, son-in-law Greg Chatterton in 2012, and son Mike in 2019.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 10:00 am Saturday at the Wise Family Funeral Home in Avon. Due to Covid-19 and social Distancing regulations only so many will be allowed in the building and masks are required. A private family service will be held later. Burial will be in the Avon Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Avon Fire Department. Online condolences may be made at www.wisefamilyfuneralhome.com . Wise family Funeral Home in Avon is in charge of arrangements.
