Francis Vernier

Francis “Frank” J. Vernier, 91, of Belleville, IL, followed Jesus to his Eternal Kingdom, Sunday, June 28, 2026, after a short battle with cancer. Born January 22, 1935, in Belleville, IL, to George C. Vernier and Virginia, nee Zollner, Vernier Grandcolas. As a child he grew up on his family’s farm in Shiloh, IL.

Frank graduated from Cathedral High School Belleville, IL, in 1957. He entered the United States Army on July 20, 1957, at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and served in active duty in Fort Polk, LA, and was later released to the Reserves as a Pvt-2. He served until his honorable discharge May 2, 1963. Frank retired from the City of Belleville in January 2007 at the age of 72, after 26 years serving first in the sanitation department and retiring from the sewer department. In his earlier years he worked in the kitchen at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, had his own lawnmower servicing business, worked at Nauman Auto Parts, Christman Wallpaper & Paint Store, Arch Machine Company in St. Louis, Remick Hardware, Home-Brite, Vogt Ice Company, J & K Amoco, Poelker's Towing Service, and was also a sweeper during Cardinals games at the old Busch Stadium.

Frank was a member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church Belleville, Millstadt Sportsman Club, Neighbors for Renewal, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Knights & Ladies of Illinois (CKL of I), American Legion Post 58, Civil Defense Network, Belle Clair Citizen Band (CB) Radio Club (with a "call name" of Frankenstein), and the following Locals: Teamsters, International Association of Machinists, Meat Cutters Local 545, Retail Clerks International Association, and Aerospace workers. Frank had many hobbies and loved machining in his basement and building antique flywheel engines, attending engine shows, and traveling on senior bus tours. He loved attending or watching St. Louis Cardinals Baseball games, fishing, and swimming. He enjoyed many dinners in the yard with neighbors, and most importantly he enjoyed spending holidays and celebrations with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

In his retirement, Frank transferred cars between auto dealerships for new awaiting customers. He shuttled vehicles to/from Hertz Rental Car at Lambert Airport to a local body shop in Belleville. He never failed to find time to help a neighbor and even cut several of their lawns. Frank was very well known around Belleville from his many years serving the community in his various jobs. He did not know a stranger and could go anywhere and know someone. Frank attended Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) for 40 plus years enrolled in the same foundry class, still attending class early into this year after his illness. He always said he could not pass the class, so he had to take it again. It was something he was very fond of.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Lawrence Grandcolas; his longtime companion, Patricia Aaron; his sister, Mary (Clinton) Morrissett; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Betty) Vernier; a brother-in-law, John Eckert; a nephew, John K. Vernier; and a grandson, Bryce Boyd.

Frank is survived by his four children, Mark (Jody) Vernier of Smithton, IL, Lesa (Tom) Nollau of Smithton, IL, LaDonna (Bret) Boyd of Shiloh, IL, and George Vernier of Belleville, IL; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a brother and sister, John (LaVerne) Vernier of Columbia, IL, and Martha Eckert of Las Vegas, NV; his aunt and uncle, Barbara (Vernon) Reinacher of Troy, IL, and Paul Zollner of Belleville, IL; a sister-in-law, Maureen (Tom) Bauer; his nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his many friends, and loving dog, Bonnie Lou.

He is also survived by his first wife and recent travel companion, Marian Vernier Brokel; his second wife, Barbara Berman; his good friend and neighbor, Judy Cardella; his engine buddies, Dave Kuester, Doug Weaver, and all his engine friends near and far; the Hardees breakfast gang; his SWIC Foundry classmates; his caring neighbors, and all his travel friends through PSOP and Monroe County YMCA.

A special thank you to St. Louis University Hospital Oncology Department and Infusion Center, and Unity Hospice for the compassionate and gentle care they provided. Also, to Msgr. Bill McGhee for the spiritual support and humor he always gave to Frank, particularly during these past months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer; an organization Frank’s daughter has been actively involved with for the past 12 years. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2026, and from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating. The Mass will livestreamed via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064688916442 or YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@st.augustineofcanterburyca9175/streams.

Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Shiloh, IL.