Vernon Ray Retzer

He was born in South Jacksonville, to Samuel Starks Retzer and Cora Edith (Martin) Retzer. He married his loving wife, Virginia Ruth Curry Retzer on December 24, 1961 in Pekin.

Surviving are two sons, Jim (Michelle) Retzer of Pekin and Jeff (Cheral) Retzer of Columbia, Tennessee; two daughters, Lori Retzer of Pekin and Gayle (Andy) Dvorak of Columbia, Tennessee; ten grandchildren, Joshua Retzer, Alecia Retzer, Zachary (Rachel) Retzer, Megan (Seth) McDonald, Alex (Raquel) Dvorak, Stephen (Ashley) Dvorak, Rebecka Retzer, Trenton (Meagan) Retzer, Samantha (Caleb) Elliott, and Sophia Retzer; sixteen great grandchildren, Nathan, Ethan, Owen, Liam, Levi, Judah, Isaac, Allen, Abigail, Thea, Callum, Colton, Parker, Skylar, Cassian, Ella, and one on the way, Chance. He had many nieces and nephews whom he adored.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and loving wife; three great-grandchildren, Joses, Bailey, and Santiago; six siblings, Audrey Strickland, William Allen Retzer, Cleda West, Retha Wheatley, Gene Retzer, and Kenneth Retzer.

Vernon was the most tenderhearted, gentle, kind, and sweet man. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was always thinking of others and putting others needs before his own. He was well respected of by his family and others.

Vernon was a Christian and worshiped at the Pekin Church of Christ. He preached, taught Bible classes, led singing, and helped in whatever way he could. His children have fond memories of him reading his Bible every morning. Most of all, he served the Lord leading by example, living a Christian life, and always remaining humble.

Vernon was a 1954 graduate from Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, IL. He served in the United States Army, spending time overseas in France. He worked at Caterpillar Inc. in East Peoria, IL, for 30 years, last working as a tool grinder. He painted greeting cards and sent them to those who were in need of encouragement. Vernon loved making people laugh with his one-of-a-kind sense of humor. He mastered dad jokes long before they were popular.

His services will be held at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin on Friday, June 20, 2025, Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with funeral services held at 11 a.m. Jeff Retzer will officiate. Pallbearers are Jeff Retzer, Joshua Retzer, Zachary Retzer, Bruce West, Donald Wheatley, and Orville Wheatley. Honorary pallbearers are Alex Dvorak, Andy Dvorak, Seth McDonald, Stephen Dvorak, and Trenton Retzer. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin, with military rites accorded by the United States Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com