Vernon E. Stake, of Woodstock, IL, died of a stroke on Tuesday, March 9, 2004. He was 83 years old, a World War II veteran, a master painter and loving husband of Frances. He was Chicago born and bred and he became familiar with McHenry County because his folks had a cottage by Crystal Lake. The family spent many a weekend there. Once he pulled a rowboat while swimming across the lake and as a teenager, he and his buddy used to go rabbit hunting in Lippold’s field. At the end of the afternoon Mrs. Lippold would give them a delicious chicken dinner for only $5. Vern was a warm and loving human being. He was so proud of his children, Susan Pilshaw, a professional musician of madrigal music who settled in New Jersey whith her husband, John and their daughter Loni and husband John Bach. Kelly, their son, is also a musician. Vern’s great-granddaughter is Jessica Bach. His son, John Stake is now a retired chaplain and Colonel of the United States Army, living in Friendship, WI. John and his wife Margaret have a beautiful daughter Kirsten and great-grandson Ryan Baxter. The American Academy of Art in Chicago was fortunate to have Vern as a teacher for 32 years. The students flocked to his class. He gave them encouragement and all the help he could. They revered him and many remained friends through the years. He retired in 1985. Fran and Vern married in 1976 and moved to rural Woodstock to set up their respective studios and business, Stake Studio & Gallery. Their five acres was formerly a farm field. Through the years they transformed it into a wonderful haven of flowers gardens in their own little bit of heaven. BigDog, Vern’s best friend, joined them eight years ago. McHenry County remained Vern’s favorite place to live. He was charmed by the old barns, quaint towns and bucolic landscape. He was the stepfather of two sons-Ronald and his wife Ann Schramm and Eric and his wife Kathy Schramm. His stepgrandchildren are Zachary and Ellen Schramm. His church, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran in Union, was very important to him. He attended regularly and enjoyed the fellowship of the kind people of this country church. Vern has left a legacy of wonderful paintings of McHenry County and Chicago and fond memories of a caring man who was full of fun and humor. Visitation will be at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6821 Main St., Union, IL 60180 on Thursday, March 11 from 4 to 9 p.m. Visitation will continue on Friday, March 12, from 9:30 a.m. until the church service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery, Chicago at 2 p.m. Memorials may be made to the church. Arrangements by Marengo-Union Funeral Home, 815-568-8131.
