1923
Vernon
2024
Vernon Stahnke
October 2, 1923 — February 10, 2024
Vernon Edwin Stahnke, 100, of Schaumburg passed away peacefully at Ascension Alexian Brothers Hospice Residence in Elk Grove on Saturday, February 10, 2024. Vern was born on October 2, 1923 in Chicago, IL, to the late Albert and Edna Stahnke.
Vern was a beloved husband for almost 75 years to Beryl Bonner Stahnke; loving father of Jill (the late Robert) Fisher, Gwen Stahnke, Sue (Ed) Liebenthal and Kay (Paul) Dees; cherished grandfather of Carolyn (Ron) Bond, Corlyne (Andrew) Mulder, Kristine (Jamey) Smith, Kathryn Fisher, Julie (Andrew) Cudney, Bethany (David) Guthrie, Marc (Priscilla) Liebenthal and David (Laci) Dees; proud great grandfather of 17; dear brother of the late Warren (the late Beth) Stahnke and the late Evelyn Stahnke; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Vern graduated from Schurz High School, Chicago, in 1941. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in World War II, but was turned down due to allergies. He was later drafted and sent through several rounds of basic training and reclassifications but was honorably discharged from the 326 th Airborne Medical Company of the 101 st Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC. After his discharge he was trained as a hydraulic mechanic at Douglas Aircraft in Chicago. When Douglas Aircraft moved to California, Vern attended University of Illinois -Champaign/Urbana receiving his bachelor’s degree in industrial education and a pilot’s license in 1949. In 1950, he earned a master’s degree in education.
Vern taught from 1955-1986 in Illinois High School District 214. While teaching metals, woods and Diversified Occupations, Vern continued his education and earned his master’s +30 and an Administrative Certificate. Vern was very proud of helping set up all of the Industrial Arts workshops in each of District 214’s new high schools as they were built. After retirement in 1986 from Elk Grove High School, Vern was able to enjoy his favorite activities of golf, gardening, fishing, traveling and custom woodworking.
Irving Park Baptist church was the center of his life growing up – Sunday school and numerous youth activities including choir. Being one of the first families to move into Hoffman Estates in 1956, Vern and Beryl became charter members of Our Saviour’s Methodist Church in 1958 and was chairman of the building committee. In 1966, they built a new house in Schaumburg where he lived until his passing. Vern and Beryl transferred to Roselle United Methodist church in 1970. Both churches were blessed with Vern’s artisanship and devotion.
Private family burial will take place at Millburn Cemetery in Old Mill Creek, IL. Memorial Service 11:00am Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Roselle United Methodist Church 206 Rush St., Roselle, IL. Memorials to Roselle United Methodist Church at www.roselleumc.org are appreciated. Info (630)529-5751.
Vern was a beloved husband for almost 75 years to Beryl Bonner Stahnke; loving father of Jill (the late Robert) Fisher, Gwen Stahnke, Sue (Ed) Liebenthal and Kay (Paul) Dees; cherished grandfather of Carolyn (Ron) Bond, Corlyne (Andrew) Mulder, Kristine (Jamey) Smith, Kathryn Fisher, Julie (Andrew) Cudney, Bethany (David) Guthrie, Marc (Priscilla) Liebenthal and David (Laci) Dees; proud great grandfather of 17; dear brother of the late Warren (the late Beth) Stahnke and the late Evelyn Stahnke; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Vern graduated from Schurz High School, Chicago, in 1941. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in World War II, but was turned down due to allergies. He was later drafted and sent through several rounds of basic training and reclassifications but was honorably discharged from the 326 th Airborne Medical Company of the 101 st Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC. After his discharge he was trained as a hydraulic mechanic at Douglas Aircraft in Chicago. When Douglas Aircraft moved to California, Vern attended University of Illinois -Champaign/Urbana receiving his bachelor’s degree in industrial education and a pilot’s license in 1949. In 1950, he earned a master’s degree in education.
Vern taught from 1955-1986 in Illinois High School District 214. While teaching metals, woods and Diversified Occupations, Vern continued his education and earned his master’s +30 and an Administrative Certificate. Vern was very proud of helping set up all of the Industrial Arts workshops in each of District 214’s new high schools as they were built. After retirement in 1986 from Elk Grove High School, Vern was able to enjoy his favorite activities of golf, gardening, fishing, traveling and custom woodworking.
Irving Park Baptist church was the center of his life growing up – Sunday school and numerous youth activities including choir. Being one of the first families to move into Hoffman Estates in 1956, Vern and Beryl became charter members of Our Saviour’s Methodist Church in 1958 and was chairman of the building committee. In 1966, they built a new house in Schaumburg where he lived until his passing. Vern and Beryl transferred to Roselle United Methodist church in 1970. Both churches were blessed with Vern’s artisanship and devotion.
Private family burial will take place at Millburn Cemetery in Old Mill Creek, IL. Memorial Service 11:00am Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Roselle United Methodist Church 206 Rush St., Roselle, IL. Memorials to Roselle United Methodist Church at www.roselleumc.org are appreciated. Info (630)529-5751.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Vernon Stahnke, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Service
Roselle United Methodist Church
Guestbook
Visits: 0
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors