Vernon Allen Umgelder Jr.

 It is with great sadness that the family of Vernon Allen Umgelder Jr., born on April 30, 1943, passed away at home in New Lenox, IL, on Sunday, November 10, 2024. He entered Heaven’s gates and was greeted by his beautiful bride of 40 years, Wanda (Batterson) Umgelder. 

 Vernon will be deeply missed by his daughter, Cheryl (Troy) Downing; his son, Scott Umgelder; his pride and joy grandchildren, Tammy (Eric) Kinnaird, Brandy (Brad) Cannon, Brittany Aldridge, Alyssa (Colton) Weatherall, Seth Downing, and Ayla Froehner, his numerous great-grandchildren, Brayden, Chevy, Darcy, Jaxson, Dakota, Faith, Harlow, Graham, Kinsley, and Apollo; many brothers and sisters; John (Jeanette) Umgelder, Sharon (Ronnie) Sobiski,  Billy (Marilyn) Umgelder, Chuck (Connie) Umgelder, David (Pam) Umgelder, Clarice (Doug) Harrison, Donald (Debbie) Umgelder, and Beverly (Wally) Harrison; and dozens and dozens of nieces and nephews. Vernon also had 3 additional special ladies in his life; Debbie Kurowski as his special event date; and Andrea Robinson and Di Cobb as his concert dates.

 He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Florence (Parchem) and Vernon Umgleder Sr.; sister, Jean Jachna; brother, Richard (Mary) Umgelder; brother, Tom (Charlene) Umgelder; brother, Roger (Mary) Umgelder; sister, Darlene (James) Veyette; and nephews, Nicholas Umgelder and Cory Umgelder.

 One of his favorite pastimes was quilting and sewing, so much that if you saw him out, his bag of crafts was surely to follow. Vernon also loved camping. He could be seen sitting around the fire and admiring his beautiful family, sometimes with a tear in his eye. Gardening has always been a favorite time of year for him and brought him much joy. Vernon was always one for traditions, especially his “grandkid only” New Year’s Eve party. He had a knack for singing country music, dancing to his record player playing “The Mashed Potato”, and singing in his church choir. Even though he retired he liked to keep himself busy with handyman jobs, often unfinished. Those jobs along with his “honey-to-do” list were left to Scott, Troy, Seth, and occasionally Cheryl to finish.  Vernon knew no stranger and welcomed everyone around him with open arms.

 A visitation will be held at Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at10:00 a.m. Burial will take place following the funeral service at Chapel Hill Gardens South in Oak Lawn, IL. Due to the ongoing road construction, Main Street will be closed to traffic. The sidewalks in front of the funeral home will be open and access may be made through the front door. Additional parking will be available in the parking lot of Christ Community Church, 103 W. Corning Ave., Peotone, IL. Entrance then can be made through the back door of the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the wishes of the family.

Share a memory at www.feddehelfrichcrossfh.com