Submitted by: Dan Rich

Verne C. Bice Jr.

April 9, 1929 - June 1, 2007

South Bend Tribune 6/3/2007

SOUTH BEND -- Verne C. Bice Jr., 78, died at Our Lady of Peace Hospital on Friday, June 1, 2007.

He was born on April 9, 1929, in South Bend, IN, to Verne C. Bice Sr. and Cora Lucille (Davis) Bice, both of whom have preceded Verne in death. A beloved sister, Charlotte Stratton, has also preceded him in death. Survivors include his brother, Emery Dean of Ottumwa, IA; and his cousin, Everett Miller of South Bend.

Verne married Marcella Perelli Hartsough on July 21, 1951, in South Bend, IN. Together they raised five children, all of whom survive, James V. Hartsough (Shirley) of Tipton, IN, Steven L. Bice (Kathy) of Lakeville, IN, David A. Bice (Annette) of South Bend, Sandra M. Sherck (Mike) of Elkhart, IN, and Karen L. Gherardi (George) of South Bend. His grandchildren are Adam Hartsough (Diana), Becky Middleton (Brian), Maria Hale, Sarah Watson, Matthew Bice (Carmen), Mica Bice, Carla Jones (Benny), Dion Bice, Elly Bice, Christopher Klimek, Heather, Monica and Joseph Sherck, Stephanie, Kassandra and Nicolette Gherardi, and Grandpa's little pride and joy, George Gherardi III. Also surviving are 19, soon to be 20, great-grandchildren. Verne was a truck driver working for ABF Trucking for 30 years.

There will be a service in St. Monica's Church at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 4, 2007. The family would like to give a special thanks to Father Jeff Largent, Dr. Charles Lamb, and all the nurses who took care of Verne. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Monica's Church. Arrangements are being handled by McGann Hay, Morning Star Funerals & Cremations.