Vernon “Vern” Pelkey, 57, of rural Marion, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014, at ThedaCare Medical Center, New London.
Vernon Lee Pelkey was born on March 11, 1957, in New London to Israel and Shirley (Dewherhurst) Pelkey. Vern was united in marriage to Patricia A. Smith on Dec. 15, 2000. After working for Frontier Communications (formerly Urban Telephone) of Clintonville for 36 years, he was forced to retire in 2013 due to his health. Then Vern focused on spending his time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and foster children.
Vernon was a loving, caring person who would do anything for anyone. His passion was for camping, campfires and fishing. Vern enjoyed collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia, beer steins and vintage telephones. He liked plowing snow, listening to his police scanners, and spending time with relatives making brunch and cook outs. Vern also liked to watch the Packers game from his favorite recliner.
Vern and Pat opened their hearts and home to several foster children over the past few years. Although they might not have a lot of money, they had a lot of love to give. The couple made a positive impact on many people’s lives, especially children. Vern couldn’t have been happier than when he was sharing an afternoon dinner with his family and all the children who made their way into his life.
Survivors include his wife, Pat, and four children, Christopher Pelkey, of Marion, Michelle (Mathew) Anker, of Marion, Tonya (friend Joseph Murray) Christianson-Van Den Bloomer, of Clintonville, and Ted (JoAnne) Christianson, of Clintonville. There is an adopted daughter, Lexus Pelkey; a stepdaughter, Jamie (Brad) Schneidewend; and his mother, Shirley Pelkey. There are nine grandchildren, Sonya Christianson, Ashley Anker, Sidney Kurrasch, Cole Christianson, Alyssa Schneidewend, Dakota Anker, Tyler “Skipper” Christianson, Skylar Schneidewend and Gabe Christianson. There is one great-granddaughter, Anastasia Anker, and two brothers, Donald (Arlene) Pelkey, of Greenville, and Patrick (Sharon) Pelkey, of New London. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Vern was preceded in death by his grandparents, his father, a granddaughter, Sereena Gollnow, sister-in-law, Barbara (James) Gollnow, and a brother-in-law, Jeffery (Karen) Smith.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, at 3 p.m. at the Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, with Deacon Lincoln Wood officiating. Friends may call on Saturday from 1 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home. A luncheon will be held after the service and, in honor of Vern, please bring your favorite dish to pass.
The family wishes to thank all the nurses and staff at ThedaCare Medical Center, New London, especially Dr. Steven Goedderz for the compassionate care given to Vern.