Vernon E. Zitlow, age 90, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Maplewood Nursing Home in Sauk City. He was born June 18, 1921 in Fond du Lac, WI to the late George A. and Alma A. (Hilt) Zitlow. Vern married Inez Yttri on June 16, 1945. He served in the United States Army during World War II, was wounded and received the Purple Heart. Vern was employed by Ohio Medical and served the Machinist Union, as Committeeman and Shop Chairman. He was elected as the Business Representative of the Machinist and Aerospace Workers Union, Lodge 1406. In 1978, Vern was elected the District Business Representative of Southern Wisconsin for the Machinist and Aerospace Workers Union. In addition he held several state-wide labor offices, Wisconsin State Council of Machinists, Midwest Council of Machinists, and Madison Federation of Labor (Vice President), until retiring on January 31, 1982. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Prairie du Sac. Vern enjoyed fishing, watching sports, and woodworking, giving many of his projects to his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Inez.

Two Children; son, Ron (Judy) Zitlow, Chicago, Il; daughter, Barbara Dougherty, Kenosha, WI.

5 grandchildren; Christopher (Lisa) Zitlow, Lauren Zitlow, Peter Zitlow, Bradley Dougherty, and Ryan (Petra) Dougherty.
3 great- grandchildren; Matthew, Andrew, and Annalise Zitlow, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Gerald and a son David.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 11:30 am at St. John's Lutheran Church, 100 Oak St; Prairie du Sac, with Pastor Sally Williams officiating. Friends may call from 10:30 am until the time of service. Entombment will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona. Memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.