Vernon Brunner

Vernon “Vern” L. Bruner, 88, of South Elgin, died December 27, 2011 in Elgin. Born and raised in Elgin, he graduated Elgin High School in 1941. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he became a B-17 Bomber pilot during WWII. Following the war Vernon was a commercial pilot, with multi-engine and flight instructor ratings. He and his family moved to South Elgin in 1948 where he became involved in many community affairs. He was an elected official for 32 years serving on the zoning board. Some of his positions included Police Magistrate and Village Clerk, each for 4 years and Village Trustee for a total of 24 years all together. He was a member of Community United Methodist Church with his family where he was also scoutmaster of Troop 21 and a member of The Order of the Arrow. He was a charter and 56 year member as well as past President of the South Elgin Lions Club. Vern was also a member of the U.S. Power Squadron, recipient of the Melvin Jones and Founders Fellow’s award and an avid boater. After retiring from Elgin Wiring after 24 years, Vern and his wife Alberta spent most of their leisure time cruising the Mississippi where they harbored their boat.
Vern was preceded in death by his wife Alberta, his only love and best friend for 67 years, parents Arthur and Dorothy (nee Christiansen) and sister Lucy Welly.
Vern is survived by his two sons Rodney (Caron) and Curtis (Charlotte); five grandchildren Rhonda, Jennifer, Melissa, Mark and Michele; and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday, December 30, 2011 from 3:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at the Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory, 95 S. Gilbert St. (at Middle St.), South Elgin. Funeral Saturday 11:00a.m. at the Funeral Home. Interment will be private at Lakewood Memorial Park. 847-289-8054 or www.countrysidefuneralhomes.com