Vernon Arthur Thompson, 91, of Traverse City and formerly of Rockford, IL died Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Bay Ridge Assisted Living Center in Traverse City.

Vern was born on Friday, March 25, 1927 to the late Arthur and Olga (Swanson) Thompson in West Allis, Wisconsin. He served our country as a member of the U. S. Navy and on Thursday, June 21, 1945, he married the former Phyllis J. Whitacre in Rockford, IL. She preceded him in death on Dec. 13, 2015.

Having been employed as a supervisor for an Barber-Coleman Company, Vern retired and with his wife moved from Rockford to Traverse City in 1989. They had formerly attended Old Mission United Methodist Church and Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He enjoyed competing in rifle target competitions as well as bird watching.

Vern is survived by his sons, Bradley A. (Beverly) and Steven R. both of Traverse City; his grandsons, Ryan (Neely) and Marc (Sarah), both of Grand Blanc and his great grandchildren, Max, Kate, Benjamin and Peter. In addition to his wife and parents, Vern was preceded in death by his siblings, Roland, Betty and Leland.

A gathering for friends and family will take place Wednesday, April 25 from 1:00 until 3:00 pm at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, followed by graveside services at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.