Vernon L Koelling

Vernon L. Koelling, 80, passed away suddenly on July 20, 2025, in Grant Park, Illinois. Born on May 16, 1945, in Kankakee, Illinois, Vern was raised in Grant Park, where he was known as “Butch”, and graduated from Grant Park High School in 1963. After graduation, he ventured to southern California where he worked at the Beverly Hilton while attending National Technical School. Vern began his professional journey with Raytheon Corporation, maintaining diesel engines—a role that took him overseas to the Philippines and Japan for several years. His work later brought him to Iran with Philco-Ford, where he maintained satellite communication systems. Upon returning to Grant Park, he continued his career with Allis Chalmers before joining Nissan Forklift as a regional service and parts manager. This position allowed him to travel extensively throughout the Midwest. Vern enjoyed fishing on Lake Metonga, reading, watching golf, and was a member of several golf leagues. With his wife, he loved cruising and traveling internationally, including to Turkey, Egypt, Asia, and his ancestral home in Germany. He was also an active member of the Grant Park Historical Society. Vernon is survived by his wife of 50 years, Shirley (nee Johnson), whom he married December 14, 1974; daughter, Kristin de Groot of Forest Park; son, Erik (Amanda) Koelling of Bradley; grandchildren, Nathan de Groot, Josephine de Groot, and Ava Koelling; sister, Bonnie Dunbar of Springfield, Missouri; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Hilda (nee Stuenkel) Koelling; sister, Shirley Ritter; brothers-in-law, David Ritter and Richard Dunbar, and infant brother Chester. Visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Grant Park on Thursday, July 24, 2025, starting at 9:00am until the funeral service at 11:00am. Burial will be held at Zion Lutheran Cemetery immediately following the funeral service. Hack-Jensen Funeral Home in Beecher is handling the arrangements.