Vernon Franklin Rich's Obituary
Mr. Vernon Franklin Rich, age 87, passed away at his home Saturday, May 28, 2011. Vern was born January 26, 1924, in Robinson, IL to John A. and Leona M. (Culver) Rich. On July 10, 1948, Vernon married the love of his life, the former Mildred Kubitza in Allegan, MI and she survives him. They spent 62 years together and loved spending time with their 9 children. Vernon served his Country during WWII in the U.S. Army and was a member of V.F.W. Don Rea Post #8846. In 1986 he retired from the Plumbers, Pipefitters and Service Trades Local Union #174, after more than 50 years on the job. Vernon was a faithful member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and prior to that, a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he served as an usher and on the board for St. Joseph Credit Union. He was also a member of the Serra Club and a great clown for many spaghetti dinners and union picnics. Vernon has gone home to be with the Lord, but he will never be forgotten by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of almost 63 years, Mildred; 4 daughters, Eileen (Bill Humes) Miller of Grand Rapids, MI, Cheryl (Frank) Blackmer of Fruitport, Theresa (John) Vaughn of Florence, AL, and Sandra Rich of Jackson, MI; 5 sons, John (Victoria)Rich of Muskegon, MI, LaVern (Mary) Rich of Muskegon, Mark (Minda) Rich of Las Vegas, NV, Brian (Debbie) Rich of Limerick, PA, and Dennis (Karen) Rich of Twin Lake; 25 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; and many nieces, nephew and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, Alva, Walter, and John, Jr.; and 1 sister, Bertha Longway. THE MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 3, 2011, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church (451 S. Getty St.) with Rev. Fr. Antony Britto presiding. VISITATION will be Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. 1-231-798-1100 with the ROSARY being prayed at 6 PM. INTERMENT will be made in Sunrise Memorial Gardens with full Military Rites under the auspices of VF.W. Post #8846. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.
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