Vernon L. Brooke of Nebraska City passed away on Friday, August 5, 2022 at the age of 97.

He was born on October 29, 1924 to Harry and Lena (Herbst) Brooke at McCool Junction NE. He graduated from the McCool Junction High School in 1942.  Right after high school, he enlisted with the Army Air Corp and served his country in the Pacific Theater, receiving several medals for his proud service during World War 2.

After his honorable discharge, he was a member of the Nebraska Civil Air Patrol for a few years and then found his true passion in life, truck driving.  It was this job which led him to the love of his life. Linda Wurtele, they were united in marriage on June 11, 1957 in Nebraska City NE.  Vernon retired from driving in 1988 after 22 years with American Meter Company.

He is survived by wife Linda of 65 years and also by the four children born to this union, Cindy Brooke of Great Bend, KS, Kathy Dryden of O’Fallon, IL, Kristy Francis of Lincoln, NE and Karla Nagengast (Dr. Stephen) of Lincoln, NE along with grandchildren:  Micah Schuch, Anna Villarreal, Gary Dryden III, Aaron Dryden, Jerod Francis, Kayla Francis, Parker Nagengast and Drew Nagengast and five great-grandchildren; brother Bob Brooke of Scottsdale, AZ,  daughter Jean Ealley of South Point, OH, and nieces, Lori and Sue.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Gayle Brooke.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 12, 2022 at Gude Mortuary in Nebraska City.  Burial will follow at Wyuka Cemetery in Nebr. City with Military Honors conducted by the Nebraska Army National Guard Funeral Honors Detail.

Those who are unable to make it to the Memorial Service, can sign the Memorial Book at Gude Mortuary from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 11.

Memorials may be given to the Veterans Memorial Building Renovation Project.