Ishpeming- Vernon E. Trudell, age 74 of 626 Vine St. Ishpeming, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at his son's home while under the loving care of family and Lake Superior Hospice.

Vernon was born October 27, 1936 in Ishpeming to Adrian & Anna (Peterson) Trudell. Vern served his country in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1957. Vern worked as an underground miner at the Mather B Mine and later as a production truck driver at the Empire Mine working 29 years for Cleveland Cliffs retiring in 1999.

Vern was a former member of the AMVETS and a member of the NRA and was a gun collector. He enjoyed the outdoors; hunting and fishing and loved his pets and listen to country music, especially Johnny Cash.

Vern is survived by 3 children: Randy (Crystal) Trudell of Negaunee, Ricky (Sherry) Trudell of Petoskey, MI and Roxanne Oja of Ishpeming, a brother Donald (Judy) Trudell of Negaunee, a sister LaVerne Ellersick of Milwaukee, WI, sisters in law Carol Trudell of Negaunee and Elaine Peterson of Ishpeming, 14 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Vern was preceded in death by his parents Adrian & Anna, his first wife Ruthe in 1958, 2 brothers Louis Trudell and William Peterson and a brother in law Richard Ellersick.

A memorial service will be held 1:00PM on Friday, July 15, 2011 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming with Rev. Chuck Tooman officiating.

The family will greet relatives and friends at Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Friday from 12:00noon until the time of service at 1:00PM.

Military honors will be conducted by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380 at the Ishpeming Cemetery following the memorial service.

Vern's obituary may be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where his guest book may be signed.