By Staff
Vernon Gustas Fester, 86, of Dowagiac, passed away at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at the Sanctuary of St. Joseph Care Center in South Bend, Ind.
Vernon's life began on Feb. 16, 1923, in Dowagiac, the son of Ferdinand and Lena (Kern) Fester.
He was a graduate of the Class of 1941 at Dowagiac Central High School.
He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Vernon was united in marriage twice in his life, first to Mary (Gard) Fester in November of 1941. Mary passed away on May 27, 1985.
He then married Barbara (Martin) Nelson on Sept. 16, 2000, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Dowagiac.
Vernon had been employed by Westwood Trailers, Jessup Door and retired from Sundstrand (Rudy) Manufacturing as an electrician.
He was a member of VFW Post 1855, American Legion Post 365 and St. John's Lutheran Church.
He loved to dance and play horseshoes. He enjoyed gardening and liked going to the casinos. Vernon loved polka music and was a member of the Polish National Alliance.
His greatest joy was his family which included: his wife, Barbara Fester of Dowagiac; children, Marie Sievert of Dowagiac, Dennis (Deborah) Fester of Niles and Craig (Helen) Fester of Dowagiac; stepson, Chris Nelson of Florida; grandchildren, Corey (Jodi) Fester and Tallie Sievert; step-grandchildren, Phil (Lynn) Miller, Jeff (Denise) Miller and Aaron (Amanda) Miller; great-grandchildren Darien Sievert, Keely Fester, Stacia Fester, Aidan Miller, Ella Miller, Siobhan Miller, Casey Miller, Kaleb Miller and Chase Miller; a sister, Eldora (Walter) Urbanski of Dowagiac; a brother, Edward (Nancy) Fester of Dowagiac; and several nieces and nephews.
Vernon passed away on July 1, 2009, in South Bend, Ind.
He is preceded in death by wife Mary and brothers Donald and William Fester.
His family gathered with friends on Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. at McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home.
His funeral service was Monday at 11 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, 603 McCleary St., Dowagiac, led by Pastor Jeffrey Weber.
He will be laid to rest with military honors rendered by VFW Post 1855 in Riverside Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church or to Southern Care Hospice.
Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Vernon at www.mclauchlin-clark.com.