Lavern W. Vern Hittenmiller Obituary (1924 - 2016)

Lavern W. "Vern" Hittenmiller, 91, of Pontiac, passed away Sunday, June 12, 2016 at 11:16 a.m. at Evenglow Lodge Tjardes Health Center in Pontiac. A private graveside service with full military honors will be held at Union Cemetery in Odell with Pastor Pat Morton officiating. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is in charge of arrangements. Vern was born November 12, 1924 in Dubuque, Iowa to William and Ella (Westemeyer) Hittenmiller. He married Rita Kendrick on January 10, 1948. She survives in Pontiac. Also surviving are his daughter, Candi (Frank) Lhotka of Odell, IL; grandchildren, John (Laura) Lhotka of Lexington, KY and Katie (Rob) Blair of Indianapolis, IN; and great grandchildren, Anna and Alex Lhotka and Lucy and Jill Blair. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; and two brothers. Vern was a Sales Representative for Potash Company of America. He served in the U. S. Army during World War II in Italy and the Philippine Islands. He was a member of the American Legion, Thunderhills Country Club in Dubuque, IA, Arrow Head Country Club in Chillcothe, IL, and Lacon Country Club of Lacon, IL. He was Volunteer of the Year for the Dubuque County Historical Society, volunteered for the Museum of the Mississippi and the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque, IA. Vern thoroughly enjoyed life and all it had to offer. He will be greatly missed by his family. Memorials may be made to OSF Hospice. Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.