Vernon Clauss, 79, Cissna Park, IL

He was born December 17, 1929, the oldest child of Joe and Nettie (Young) Clauss. They preceded him in death. Vernon lived all of his life in the house in which he was born.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne Cottingham Clauss whom he married on August 8, 1959. They were able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this August with family and friends. Also surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Scott Newcomer, Goshen, IN; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Jim and Lorraine (Preiss) Clauss, Tigard, OR; Jeff Clauss, Oldsmar, FL and his girlfriend, Melanie Dickey, Toronto, CA. Three grandsons survive; Nathan and Nicholas Newcomer and Noah Clauss. Also surviving are five sisters and two brothers. Erma Wieland, Dunlap, IL; Lois Beer, Milford, IN; Caroline Sever, Bloomington, IL; Lorna Clauss, Champaign, IL; Dorothy (Don) Holmes, Hoopeston, IL; Jerry (Karen) Clauss and Earl (Gloria) Clauss, both of Cissna Park. His sister Betty Feller-Zimmerman preceded him in death. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

Vernon Clauss was a lifelong farmer in the Cissna Park area. For many years he operated a corn sheller. Vernon served on the Cissna Park Co-Op elevator board of directors for over twenty years. He was also a commissioner for the Pigeon Creek drainage district. He enjoyed singing and at one time was a member of A Natural High, a choral group in Iroquois County. He also loved to travel and enjoyed being able to take trips frequently. Vernon Clauss was a member of the Cissna Park Apostolic Christian Church.

Visitation will be at the Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, October 11 with services at the Apostolic Christian Church, Cissna Park at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 12. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.