Vernon H. Schnitzmeyer

Vernon H. Schnitzmeyer, age 96, of Rock Falls, died Sunday, February 8, 2015 at his daughter's home in Orlando, Fla. Vernon was born August 9, 1918 in Hoffman the son of Mabel Schnitzmeyer. He served in the US Army during WWII, became a POW and earned a Purple Heart. He married Bernice Woker on November 15, 1939. She preceded him in death on May 17, 1964. He married Lucille (Schoemaker) Janssen on June 20, 1970 in Sterling. She preceded him in death on November 22, 2005. Vernon was employed by the Illinois State Police, District 1, for 35 years retiring in 1984. He was a member of Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sterling. Survivors include one daughter, Cheryl (Ed) Rein of Orlando, Fla.; one son, James Schnitzmeyer of Albany, IL ; one sister, Minta (Bob) Waite of Brooksville, Fla; two grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and two step grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both of his wives. Visitation will be Saturday, February 14, 2015 from 9:30 – 11:15 A.M. at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sterling. Funeral services will be Saturday at 11:30 AM at the church with Reverend David Burge officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Messiah Ev. Lutheran Church or the Rock Falls American Legion, Post #902.