Vernon George Voss, formerly of Morrison, IL, passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2021, in Pharr, TX.
He was born at home in Fulton, IL, on January 13, 1937, to George and Grace Kopenga Voss. Vern graduated from Fulton High School in 1955. Vern married Priscilla Smith on November 25, 1955, and they began farming together in Garden Plain, IL. He farmed for over 40 years in Whiteside and Carroll Counties, and was well-known for his prime beef cattle. Once they were of age, Vern farmed with his sons, Jeff and Jon. He also has two daughters, Jill and Jackie. In addition to farming, Vern made many contributions to his church and community.
As a boy, he played Taps on his coronet for local Military funerals. He was very active in music ministry at First Reformed Church in Fulton, where for many years, he sang bass in a Men’s Quartet, as well as sang in the Choir. He also served as Treasurer of the Church.
In Lanark, IL, Vern served two terms on the Lanark School Board, and he was President of the Board during his second term. Vern was proud to be able to hand out diplomas to his daughter Jill’s graduation class of 1974. He was also an active member of the Lanark Lions Club.
After retiring from farming in 1996, Vern and Priscilla built a new home and settled in Morrison. They also began spending winters in Texas, as “Winter Texans,” first, in their own Winnebago RV, and, later, in their own mobile home. After 20 years, Vern could no longer make the trips back to Illinois, and Texas became their home.
Two months before his death, they had moved into an Assisted Living Facility in Pharr, TX.
Vern is survived by Priscilla, his wife of 65 years; daughters, Jill Voss and Jackie (Jay) Lansing; sons, Jeff and Jon.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, June (Ben) Diephuis; brothers, Harold and Ken.
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., at the The Gardens at Brook Ridge Assisted Living facility in Pharr, TX.