Vernon Udel Denham

Age 92, of Minooka, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, May 14, 2025, at the Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet, Illinois.

Born on April 6, 1933, in Belle Rive, Jefferson County, Illinois, Vernon was a son of Fred and Martha Ellen “Nellie” (Neibel) Denham. Raised in Belle Rive, Vernon went on to honorably serve in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

On December 4, 1955, Vernon married the love of his life, Edna Whisenhunt, at the family home in Belle Rive. Together, they shared a beautiful partnership of nearly seven decades, building a home rooted in love, faith, and family.

Vernon dedicated 32 years of his career to the Caterpillar Tractor Company, working at the Joliet plant. His commitment to his work was matched only by his dedication to his faith. He was a devoted and charter member of Freedom Baptist Church in Seneca.

A man of many interests, Vernon enjoyed working on lawn mowers and found simple pleasure in traveling. His gentle spirit, wisdom, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Vernon will be deeply missed by his family, friends, church community, and all whose lives were touched by his kind and faithful presence.

Survivors include his son, Eddie (Carol) Denham of Earlville, Illinois; grandchildren: Edward Denham of Peru, Illinois, and Emily (Michael) Wasilewski of Hennepin, Illinois; four great grandchildren: Devin and Levi Denham of Peru and Megan and Madison Wasilewski of Hennepin; one brother, Herbert Denham of Mt. Vernon, a sister-in-law, Lovell Denham of Belle Rive, and brother-in-law: Charles Williamson of Springfield, Ohio, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Edna on December 6, 2024; son, Tracy Denham; brothers: Roscoe, Harry and Harvey Denham, and sisters: Laura Schlag, Roberta Jones and Daisy Kehrer.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Freedom Baptist Church, 409 S. Main Street in Seneca, IL 61360 on Monday, May 19, 2025 between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and again on Wednesday May 21, 2025 at Johnston Funeral Home 102 E. 2nd Street in Ina, Illinois from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service, 11:00 a.m.

Burial with military honors will follow in Hams Grove Cemetery in Belle Rive, Illinois.

Pallbearers will be: Eddie Denham, Edward Denham, Mike Johnson, Alan Johnson, Eric Wolf and Maurice Whisenhunt.

The family wishes to extend a special acknowledgment to the nurses at Morris Hospital and the Lightways Hospice staff for the compassionate care provided in the days past. In addition, they express their gratitude to Pastor Joel and Denee Robertson for their dedication, ongoing encouragement and constant support. Finally they send sincere thanks to Laura at Ruby’s Restaurant for being a friend and all the visits. All of your kindness and considerations will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Vernon's name made may be made to Freedom Baptist Church, 409 S. Main Street, Seneca, Illinois 61360.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneralHome.com to sign the guestbook, upload photographs and share Vernon’s memorial page online through social media.

Services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory, 121 Jefferson Street in Morris, Illinois (815/942-2500)