WASHINGTON…Vernon I. “Duner” Strubhar, Jr., 83, of Washington, passed away peacefully at 10:55 p.m., Thursday, November 11, 2010 at Washington Christian Village.
Vern was born on January 22, 1927 in Washington to Vernon I. and Ruth Sommer Strubhar, Sr. He married Jackie Martig in Peoria on June 30, 1951. Jackie survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Peter (Susan) Strubhar of Amherst, Virginia and Andrew (Lisa) Strubhar of Washington; two sisters, Mildred Strubhar and Joan Heiple, both of Peoria; 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, Don.
Vern owned and operated,with his brother, Don, V.I. Strubhar & Sons Plumbing and Heating in Washington for over 40 years.
After high school, Vern went into the U.S. Army and was part of the occupation force after World War II in Germany. Upon his return to the states, Vern attended Eureka College and earned his degree in education from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1951.
Vern took an active role in his church, Calvary Evangelical Mennonite Church, where he had taught Sunday School for 50 years, also serving time on the church council and helped as a deacon. He also had served on the board of directors for Camp Good News in Washington and with his plumbing/heating expertise, volunteered his services at the camp for many years.
Vern also was faithful in his service to the Washington community over the years. He had served on the City Council and later also served one term on the Tazewell County Board. While serving as an alderman for Washington, Vern also was acting mayor for a short period of time. He also had been on the board of directors of the Washington Federal Savings & Loan. Vern was the recipient of the Washingtonian award in 1977 for his community service.
An avid sports fan, Vern grew up playing football in high school, as well as college and also loved to play tennis.
Vern was faithful to his church, did what he could to improve the community of Washington and still had time to spend with his family that he loved and the friends he cherished.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Evangelical Mennonite Church with Pastor Ken Sistrunk officiating. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery. Graveside military rites will be accorded by the U.S. Army. Visitation will be on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Mason-White Funeral Home and on Tuesday from 9 to 10:15 a.m. at the church.
Memorials may be made to either Calvary Evangelical Mennonite Church or Camp Good News.