Vernon L. Kirlin

Vernon L. Kirlin, 101, of Libertyville, IL and formerly Mason City, IA, died Wednesday October 8, 2014, at the Libertyville Manor. Memorial services will be held 11:00 AM on Monday, November 17, 2014, in the WAYside Chapel of the First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia, Mason City, IA, with Rev. Sean McRoberts officiating. A private family inurnment will take place in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice. Vernon Kirlin was born August 27, 1913, on a ranch near Saratoga, WY. He was the tenth child of Archie and Gertrude Kirlin. He graduated from high school in Fontanelle, IA. He completed a Normal Training Course and taught in rural schools. He received his B.A. from Iowa State Teachers College and his M.A. from Drake University. In 1938, Vernon married Wilma B. White of Greenfield, IA. He taught in Moneta and Toledo, IA. He was an elementary principal in Oskaloosa, IA. After two years in Benton Harbor, MI, he moved his family in 1949, to Mason City, IA, where he served as principal of Wilson School for 28 years. He was also principal of Grant, Washington and Hoover schools in Mason City. He retired in 1977, closing his school administration career of 42 years. Vernon was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. He served on many church committees and the Administrative Board of the First United Methodist Church. He was a member of the first Mason City Park Commission, chairman of Family Service Board, a member of the Senior Citizens Board, RSVP Board and active in Scouting. He was a life member of the National Elementary Principals Association and an honorary life member of the Iowa Elementary Principals Association. In retirement, Vernon pursued his hobby of lapidary. He cut stones and formed silver to create unique jewelry. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed frequent rounds with his close friend, Jack Craw. At age 85, he shot a 75 at Highland Park Golf Course. Always handy at woodworking, he repaired many items for residents of The Manor where he lived for 21 years until 2011. Beginning in 1999, Vernon worked with a group to restore the 1890’s popcorn wagon for the Music Man Square. Wearing a period costume, he became a popular tour guide at the Streetscape of Music Man Square where he volunteered until 2008. Vernon moved to Kentucky Ridge Assisted Living, Mason City, in 2011. The following year, at the age of 99, he moved to Libertyville Manor in Libertyville, IL to be closer to his children. Vernon was predeceased by his wife, Wilma, in 2009. Survivors include a daughter, Karilyn Parrott (Joel) of Gurnee, IL, a son, Larry Kirlin of Elgin, IL, grandchildren, Kristen Parrott (Cavan Fang), of Viroqua, WI, Tim Parrott (Larissa) of Carlsbad, CA and Kevin Stouffer (Kate) of San Diego, CA and great grandchildren, Frances Parrott and Sean Stouffer.

Cemetery:
A private family inurnment will take place in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.