Mr. Vernon Dale Van Wagoner of Cedar Springs, age 76, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 19, 2013.  While at Cedar Springs High School, he played noon basketball with his friends. He also worked assisting area farmers baling hay, picking up potatoes, for $0.50 a bushel, weeding carrots at $0.25 an hour. He met his future wife, Barbara Cramer, and she was so nice and sweet. He was smitten right away and he chipped a tooth ice skating on one skate showing off for Barbara. Then there is the jumping over the bike. His first job out of school, he worked for Stanley Whittal at the Dodge Plymouth in Rockford, Michigan. Then he worked for Art Borgman, who taught him the trade of welding and carpentry. He learned the trade also from George L. Davison. Throughout his life he enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and car races. He also enjoyed camping with his family.  The family also has many wonderful memories of spending time at the cabin.  Vernon was very competitive and his specialty was croquet.  For many years he cared for six cemeteries along with his children.  He instilled good work ethics in his children, Vernon is survived by his children; Tim (Barbara Jo) Van Wagoner, Vickie Hovey, Nick (Joy) Van Wagoner; grandchildren, Courtney (Brandon Morgan) Van Wagoner, Ryan (April Carter) Van Wagoner, Amanda (Eric) Morse, Steven Hovey, John Van Wagoner, Rachel Van Wagoner; great-grandchildren, Jayden Van Wagoner, Addilynn Morgan; sisters, Marie (Jim) Jorgensen, Vera (Clinton) Sanders; brother, Thomas Van Wagoner.  He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara; Granddaughter, Nicole Renee; his parents Verne and Mary Van Wagoner. The funeral service was held at 2 pm on Monday, September 23, 2013 at the Pederson Funeral Home.  The visitation was held from 2-6 pm on Sunday, September 22, 2013.  Memorial contributions can be made to the family to offset funeral expenses.

Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home Rockford