Vernon Lee Strong

Vernon L. Strong, age 83, of Newark, passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at OSF St. Katharine Medical Center in Dixon, Illinois.

Vernon was born June 25, 1942 in Pierre, South Dakota to Otto and Esther (Tillotson) Strong. He married Dorothy Wiley on August 15, 1964 at Grinnell, Iowa. They were married 51 years until her passing on July 5, 2016. Vernon is survived by his loving daughters, Denise Lynn (Jim) Shankle of Ottawa and Lisa Kay (Chad Dickey) Strong of Mendota; precious grandchildren, Kaylyn (Gabriel) Spriggs, Taryn (Cooper) Thyne, James Luke Shankle, Jeffrey (Kaylee) Shankle and Keira Shankle; three great-grandchildren; and a sister, Miriam Strong of Clarkesville, GA. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clayton Dean Strong, Richard Otto Strong and Warren Strong; and a sister, Ruth Nebelsick.

Vernon was a member of Crossbridge Community Church and the Illinois Teachers Association.. He earned his Masters Degree and retired as a high school math teacher. Vern possessed the gifts of music and a wonderful personality and sense of humor. He treasured time spent with his devoted family.

Cremation rites have been accorded and Vern will be laid to rest with other family members in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Spencer, South Dakota at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made directed to Shakespeare Gardens, 501 Alene Ave., Wessington Springs, SD 57382. To share a memory, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com <http://www.gladfelter-roetker.com> or Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home on Facebook. Actual sympathy cards may be mailed to Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home, 1601 East Norris Drive, Ottawa, IL 61350 to be forwarded to the family.