Vernon D. Holmstrom

Vernon D. Holmstrom, 78, of Galesburg, died on Saturday, November 12, 2016, 1:04 PM, at Rosewood Care Center, Galesburg. Vern was born on March 2, 1938, in Varna, Illinois. He was the son of Louis and Nettie (Extrom) Holmstrom. Vern married the love of his life, Lois Gerardo, on June 1, 1960 in Toluca, Illinois. Vern is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Lois; two sons, Michael (Kelly) Holmstrom, of Galesburg, and Scott (Janelle) Holmstrom of Mt. Horeb, WI; a daughter, Jan (Tom) Glasnovich, of Galesburg; a brother Kenneth Holmstrom of Farmington; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Phillips of Varna; seven grandchildren, Mark and Brad Glasnovich, Megan, Taylor, Anna, Nicholas, and Ella Holmstrom; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Charles Holmstrom.Vern is a 1956 graduate of Mid-County High School. He is a Veteran of the US Army, serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Vern owned and operated Holmstrom Trucking with his brothers; and later, he worked at Bridlecreek Apartments, Jumer's Hotel, and at St. Mary's Square until his retirement in 2000. Vern lived by the motto, "If it's not broken don't fix it, or if it is broken, wait awhile and it might fix itself." He was a member of the Lake Bracken Country Club. He enjoyed playing golf, cross word puzzles, watching sports, especially the Green Bay Packers. Most of all he loved to spend time with his family and Lois. Per Vern's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 3 PM, at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Visitation will be held from 1-3 at the funeral home.  Burial of cremated remains will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Reverend William T. Miller will officiate.  Following the services the family would also like to invite friends to a Celebration of Vern's life at the Lake Bracken Country Club.   Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials in Vernon's honor may be donated to KCCDD, or to the St. Vincent's De Paul Society. Expressions of Sympathy may be left for the family at www.watsonthomas.com.