Vernie F. Sturtewagen

Vernon F. “Vernie” Sturtewagen, 84, of Atkinson, passed away on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Hammond Henry Hospital – Emergency Department, Geneseo.  A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Atkinson.  Burial will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery, Atkinson.  Visitation will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Vandemore Funeral Home – Atkinson Chapel.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Atkinson Fire Department, 103 W. Center St., Atkinson, IL, 61235.

Vernie was born October 4, 1938, the son of Perdon and Elizabeth (VandeVoorde) Sturtewagen, in rural Annawan.  He graduated from Annawan High School, class of 1956. Vernie farmed for many years.  He later worked at the Atkinson Grain Elevator.  He married Linda Reiling on the farm in Annawan, November 29, 1980. He was a member of the Atkinson Bolder’s Club, Annawan Bolder’s Club, East End Bolder’s Club - Moline, and the Geneseo Moose Lodge.  Vernie enjoyed fishing, Rolle Bolle, gardening and loved spending time with his family – especially his grandchildren.  He adored his dog, Lucy, and spoiled her with her favorite treats.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Linda Sturtewagen; children, Audie (Rochelle) Sturtewagen of Annawan, Jamie (Abby Schmidt) Sturtewagen of Roanoke, VA, Penny (Chris) Tessier of Chicago, stepson, Michael (Stephanie) Van Herzeele of Crystal Lake, IL, and stepdaughter, Michelle Watts of Atkinson; grandchildren, Annie (Jamie Klitzka)  Sturtewagen, Katie Sturtewagen, Gracie Sturtewagen, Jason Sturtewagen, Jaron Sturtewagen, Molly Tessier, Megan Tessier, Erin (Mario Zanaty) Van Herzeele, Matthew (Madison) Van Herzeele, Maddison (Tim Thomas) Davis, and Gavin Watts; brother, Eugene Sturtewagen of Manchester, MO; sisters, Alice Morman of Manlius, IL and Alma (Jerry) Loncka of Kewanee; and sister-in-law, Ann Sturtewagen of Atkinson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Vernie was preceded in death by his parents, Perdon and Elizabeth Sturtewagen; brothers, Donavon Sturtewagen and Francis Sturtewagen; brother-in-law, Ray Morman; sister-in-law, Kathy Sturtewagen; and nephew, Kevin Morman.