Vernon Sturdy

1922 - 2015

Sturdy, Vernon, Sr.; age 92; of Flint; formerly of South Branch; died at home Thursday, July 2, 2015, surrounded by his family. Vernon was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, August 21, 1922, the son of Cornelius and Diantha (Kratt) Sturdy. He attended the University of Louisville and was part of the Civilian Conservation Corps. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, valiantly fighting in Guadal Canal and Peleliu. Following his discharge, he served in the Air Force Reserves. Vernon married Irma Marie Linnemann, who survives, on July 31, 1948, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was employed by General Motors and worked at Fisher Body in Pontiac, retiring after 37 years. He was a member of St. Pius Catholic Church in Hale, where he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #7623 and served as the District Deputy. Vernon was an avid reader and enjoyed photography. Vernon is survived by his wife of 66 years, Irma; children, Vernon Jr. (Karen) Sturdy of Flushing, Matthew (Danelle) Sturdy of Portage; grandchildren, Kathryn (Anthony) Hill, Thomas (Charleen) Sturdy, David (Kate) Sturdy, Kristin, Natalie, Joseph, and Daniel Sturdy, and Christy Caputo; and great grandchildren, Analynn, Benjamin, Jackson, and Aiden. Vernon was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2015, at St. Robert Catholic Church 310 N. Cherry St. Flushing, with interment at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly at a later date. Visitation will take place at Rossell Funeral Home, 307 E. Main St., Flushing Friday, July 10, 2015 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and at the church Saturday, July 11, 2015 from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass. A Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Friday followed by a Knights of Columbus Service. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.