Vernon E. Hodgson, age 95, of Merrill, died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013, at Woodland Court, Merrill.
Vernon was born March 12, 1918, in Antigo, son of the late Richard and Amanda (Bessy) Hodgson. He married Harriet Krahn on July 20, 1945, in Wildwood Chapel, Town of Schley. She survives.
Vernon served with the 3rd Medical Battalion, Third Army Division under General Patton in World War II, from 1940 until his honorable discharge in 1945. He attained the rank of staff sergeant, and was stationed throughout North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Rome. After the war Vernon worked as a foreman with Owens-Illinois in Tomahawk and Milwaukee. Vernon was also a carpenter and enjoyed doing handiwork for family and friends. Hunting, fishing, polka music, gardening, and church work were hobbies that Vernon also enjoyed doing throughout his life.
Survivors include his wife, Harriet Hodgson, Merrill; one daughter, Sally (Steven) Storm, Merrill; five grandchildren, Brenda (Bill) Hartl, Merrill, Brad Hodgson, Merrill, Keith (Amalia) Wegner, New London, Tammy (Scott) Haig, Merrill, and Steven Storm, Milwaukee; seven great grandchildren, Braylon, Addilyn, Asher, Alayna, Rachel, Scottie, and Justin; and three brothers, Glenn (Elaine) Hodgson, Summerset, IL, Wayne Hodgson, Wisconsin Rapids, and Gerald (Audrey) Hodgson, Palmer, AK. Vernon is preceded in death by two sons, Leonard Hodgson and the other in infancy; one sister and her husband, Clarice (Gilbert) Johnson; one brother and his wife, Irwin (Mary Jane) Hodgson; and sister in law, Ada Hodgson.
The Funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, at Wildwood Chapel, Town of Schley, Lincoln County. Pastor Angie Steinhauer will officiate. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 10 a.m. Thursday at the church.