Wayne Karl Bardell, age 65 of Stockton, IL, passed away unexpectedly January 27, 2014. He was born July 15, 1948 in Savanna, IL; the son of the late Ralph and Elizabeth (Beyer) Bardell. Wayne graduated from Stockton High School in 1966.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968 and served with the 93rd Engineer Battalion in Mekong Delta in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He was named Battalion Soldier of the Month, and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service. Other citations include National Service, Viet Nam Service, Meritorious Unit Citation, and NCO Leadership ribbons. Wayne enlisted in the Army Reserve, in 1978, attaining the rank of Staff Sgt., and served as a Platoon Sgt., and acting 1st. Sgt. at annual training exercises, receiving Letters of Commendation for outstanding service and devotion to duty.
Wayne worked at Atwood for 12 years and Kelly Springfield Tire Co. for 30 years. Wayne helped organize Liberty Memorial Post 1304. He was the First Commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Stockton. He conducted Memorial Day Services at Stockton for many years. He also represented the VFW with his truck with flags and signs going to numerous parades. He was a life member in the VFW and the Rock River Valley Vietnam. He was also a member of the Shannon American Legion. Wayne was serving as Commander for District 6 in the State of Illinois. He was helping the Stockton community to get a Veterans Memorial in Stockton. Wayne was also serving as Republican Precinct Committee man for District 1 for Stockton.
He is survived by his wife Bonny Kay (Altfillisch) Bardell; Daughter, Christisanna Sullivan of Springfield, IL; two sons, Daniel (Jan) Bardell of Indianapolis, IN and Brian Bardell of Saint Louis, MO; step-son, Steven (Dewey) Endress of Apple River, IL; step-daughter, JoAnn (Roy) Woessner of Freeport, IL; two granddaughters, Madalynn Sullivan and Kayla Bardell; grandson, Kwyton Bardell; four Brothers, Merle of Wyanaette, IL, Marshall (Martha) of Morris, IL, Eldon (Shirley) of Platteville WI, and Ray (Dixie) of Ridott, IL; brother-in-law, Francis Hawk of Mt. Carroll; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Elizabeth (Beyer) Bardell and one sister Carol Hawk.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 31, 2014 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton. The funeral service will be Saturday at 10:30 AM at Christ Lutheran Church in Stockton. Interment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in his name for The Veterans of Foreign Wars Organization and the Stockton's Veterans Memorial.