Vernon Lawrence Gries

Vernon Lawrence Gries, age 93, of Independence Village, Peoria, passed away at 2:11 p.m. at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. At the time of his death, he was surrounded by his family. He was born Oct. 17, 1921 in Metamora, IL to Raymond and Irma (Seckler) Gries. He married Opal Ulrich Dec. 24, 1942 in Muskogee, OK. She passed away Dec. 1, 2006 in Metamora. He was also preceded in death by parents, one brother, Kenny Gries, one sister, Mary Gries Schupp, and one son, Lawrence Vernon Gries. Survivors include one son, Donald (Amy) Gries of Peoria, two daughters: Yvonne (Mike) Schmitt of East Peoria, Anita (Curt) Rowden of Metamora, eight grandchildren: Molly (Scott) Heinold, Troy Gries, Shawn Gries, Chris (Christine) Schmitt, Katie (Todd) Rusk, Dana (Tony) Zitzka, Timothy Rowden and Emily (Brady) Gerdts. Also surviving are nineteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. During the past years, he made his home with his dear friend, Margaret Hankins. Vernon graduated from St. Mary’s Grade School in Metamora and Metamora High School. Vern was a WWII Army Veteran, serving four years as a T-5 Corporal. He served with the 58th Station Hospital in the European Theater. He served in North Africa and Italy. He was very proud to serve his country. Vern worked at Caterpillar, Inc. for 36 years, holding a number of Supervisory positions; Foreman, General Foreman, and Superintendent. He worked in the Material Control Dept. and Transportation Dept. He retired in 1981. He was a member of the Cat. Retirees Club, the Metamora American Legion Post 89, the Experimental American Aircraft Association, the National Knife and Collectors Association, and was an avid collector of antique pocket knives. He was also a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the Metamora Volunteer Fire Dept. for 17 years, and he served as Captain of the Metamora Rescue Squad. He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Peoria Heights. Vern had a great sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh with his jokes and stories. He was an avid Chicago Cub fan. He enjoyed planting tomatoes, and rose bushes. He made the best angel food cake! He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday Aug. 14, 2015 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. There will be a Rosary 7 p.m. following the visitation. A Funeral Mass will be Saturday Aug. 15, 2015 at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Peoria Heights. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass on Saturday at the Church. Entombment with Military Honors will be in the Chapel of Peace Mausoleum in Parkview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Church in Metamora, St. Thomas Church in Peoria Heights, or the Metamora Fire Dept. Please view Vernon’s obituary online at www.Davison-Fulton.com