George Vann Obituary

George D. Vann

Born: June 29, 1918; in Chicago, IL

Died: February 18, 2018; in Waddell, AZ

George D. Vann, 99, passed from this life on February 18, 2018 after a brief illness while visiting his daughter in Waddell, AZ.

George was born on June 29, 1918 in Chicago, IL to Mabel Margaret (nee Rinkenberger) and Dr. George H. Vann (DDS). He was the eldest of four children: Mabel Joyce (Thielk), Joseph Albert, and Robert Donald. He graduated from York Community H.S. in 1936. In January, 1941 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps serving until November, 1945. On December 31, 1945 George began a long and successful career at Illinois Bell until he retired in March, 1982. George married Ruth Brieschke on January 16, 1943. George and Ruth were blessed with two children, George Jr (Elizabeth) and Barbara (Stephen Harrell). Besides raising a family and building his family's home with the help of his brothers, George was very involved in his children's schools serving as a member of the PTA.

George was also a long time member of St. Peter's Church in Elmhurst and active in many areas of the church. George was a member and officer of the Elmhurst Historical Society. George was an avid genealogist and a founding member of the Genealogical Forum of Elmhurst. George and his wife Ruth enjoyed traveling to many areas of the country, but after his retirement in 1982, they traveled not only for fun, but to uncover his family's history. After Ruth's death in 1997, George continued to travel visiting family and friends.

George will be dearly missed by his children, five grandsons, a granddaughter-in-law, two great-granddaughters, and numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.

George was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; his parents, Mable Margaret and George Henry; parents-in-law, Elsie (Martens) and Walter E. Brieschke; his sister, Joyce and her husband, Carl Thielk; brothers, Joe and Bob and their spouses Elaine and Margaret Vann; sister-in-law, June Dyson; brother-in-law, "Bud" Brieschke and his wife, Opal; two nephews, two great nephews, and many close friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at St. Peter's United Church of Christ, 125 Church St. Elmhurst, IL. A Memorial Gathering will begin at 10:00am at the church with a service following at 11:00am. Interment at Mt. Emblem Cemetery 520 E. Grand Elmhurst, IL will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter's Memorial Fund or to their Organ Fund or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Ahlgrim Funeral Home. Info 630-834-3515 or www.ahlgrim.com