Vernon T. “Whimpy” Ireland, 75, of Rudyard, died Friday morning, October 23, 2009, at Mackinac Straits Hospital in St. Ignace.

He was born in Genesee County August 17, 1934, to Herbert and Cora (nee Latimer) Ireland.

He married Leda Parks in Davison July 3, 1954.

Mr. Ireland retired from a Buick Motors heat treat plant. He lived on Mackinac Trail in Rudyard for the past 20 years, moving there from Flint.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved woodworking. Mr. Ireland was a member of the EUP Horseshoe Pitching Association. He also bowled for many years in leagues in Sault Ste. Marie.

He is survived by his wife, Leda; four children and their families, Kevin Ireland in Florida, Ricky and Dawn Ireland of Davison, Darlinda and John Nugent, and Kimberly Ireland and Ed Piippo, all of Rudyard; a daughter-in-law, Sally, in Beaverton; one brother and his family, Dale and Marvel Ireland of Burton; 19 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Ireland was preceded in death by a son, Michael, who died June 27, 2008; a sister, Ila Ott; and four brothers, Roy, Wayne, Elton, and Wallace.

Services will be Saturday, November 7, at 1 p.m., at the Rudyard Community Center with Pastor Jacob Zeeryp.

Dodson Funeral Home in St. Ignace assisted the family with arrangements.