Vernon R. Zegers

CUSTER PARK—Vernon R. Zegers, 93, of Custer Park, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 30, 2019.
He was born April 27,1926 in Chicago. His mother, Helena "Helen" Maatman, also a Chicago native, was the daughter of Dutch immigrants. Vern’s father, Evert “Ed” Zegers, was a first generation American who immigrated in 1920 through Ellis Island at the age of 17.
Vern was the oldest of Evert and Helena’s four children. His siblings included Ken and Rich, as well as a sister who died in infancy. In his early childhood, Vern and his family lived in Roseland, a Chicago neighborhood, but by 1935 they had moved to Worth/Oaklawn, a suburb 10 miles east of Roseland. On May 10, 1947 Vern married Adeline Elizabeth Swinford. They settled in her hometown of Joliet, IL where they raised four children: David, Paul, Kathy and Karen. Vern repeatedly said, "I feel very blessed for having wonderful children." Vern had a long career as a welding engineer, working for decades for US Industries, Inc. Clearing, a manufacturer in Chicago of large stamping presses and other machinery. He also worked as an engineering consultant for various companies in Illinois and Kentucky. Throughout his adult life, he was a very active, devoted member of the Methodist Church. He was also an avid woodworker, joyfully making hundreds of items for his family over the years.
Vern is survived by Adeline to whom he was married for over 72 years. He is also survived by his four children: Dr. David (Rev. Cheryl) Zegers, of Lancaster, PA and Paul (Phyllis) Zegers, of Roseburg, OR; two daughters, Kathleen Wright, of Custer Park and Karen (Terry) Platt, of New Lenox, IL as well as 11 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Preceding him in death was his son-in-law, Don Wright and one brother, Kenneth Richard Zegers.
Funeral services will be at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, 401 E. Main St., Braidwood on Monday, July 8, 2019 at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour preceding services. Interment with military honors will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Joliet.
Memorials in his name may be directed to Joliet Area Community Hospice or United Methodist Church of New Lenox.
For more information and to sign the online guestbook log on to www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find them on Facebook at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory.
R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.