Vernon Olin Wilhelm, age 88 of rural Unadilla was called home on Friday morning September 5, 2009. Vernon was born on April 1st, 1921, with a sense of humor that was second to none, to Walter and Effie Mae (Van Sickel) Wilhelm at the family farm Southeast of Palmyra, Nebraska. Vernon was the 8th of 8 children. He graduated from Palmyra High School and on June 26, 1943 Vernon married Ruth Elaine McCormick at Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Vernon was a life long farmer and one of the first in the area to practice the method of no-till farming. He enjoyed visiting with his neighbors, fellow farmers, working with his cattle and watching his grandsons farm. Vernon was a role model for his children to live their lives by. Everyday by his actions and words he taught them the value of hard work, community service, honesty, sacrifice for family, friends and neighbors and the sustaining value of humor as we go through life. Over the course of his life he served his community in many capacities. He served several terms on the Unadilla School Board, a Unadilla Cooperative board member, 4-H leader, church board member and for many years worked, part time for the ASCS office. A source of great pride and a great challenge came when he served his community as a member of the Otoe County Board of Commissioner's for eight years.

Vernon is survived by his wife Ruth Elaine (McCormick) with whom he shared 66 years of life, love, tears and laughter. He is survived by son Bob and wife Barb Wilhelm of Unadilla, daughter and son in-law Nola and Dave Johnson of Lincoln, daughter in-law Beverly Wilhelm of Unadilla, daughter-in law Jo Anne Wilhelm of Lincoln, brother Wilson of Valissca Iowa, sister in-law Ardist McCormick-Willard of Stillwater, Mn. seven grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, special family friend Lankford Bivins, many nieces and nephews, friends and much joy and laughter.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, mother and father in-law Lynn and Agnes (France) McCormick, sisters Aura Lucas, Jessie Steinbronn, Maude Steinbronn, brothers John, Elmer and Claude, brother in-law Dean McCormick, great-grandson Baby H and with great heartache his sons Lynn and Ron.

Pallbearers are the grandchildren: Jeff Wilhelm, Jennifer Hitzemann, Nick Wilhelm, Michele Hillman, Jeremy Wilhelm, Marcus Wilhelm and Travis Johnson.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday, September 9, 2009 at 1:30 P.M. at St John's United Church of Christ, 511 7th Street, Syracuse, Nebraska with burial at Park Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 8, 2009 from 9:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to St. Johns Church of Christ or the Friendship Home of Lincoln.

Fusselman Wymore Funeral Home, 644 Park Street, Syracuse, Nebraska, 402-269-2441