Vernon "Roger" Day, 89, of Poplar Grove IL, passed away on March 26, 2023 in his home with family by his side. Born on November 20, 1933 to Eugenia "Evelyn" (Frint) and Orald Franklin Day. Roger was born and raised in Poplar Grove. He was deeply dedicated to his family, his country, and his local community. Roger served in the United States Navy for 4 years on the ship USS Taussig. Following his service in the military he attended the University of Illinois and eventually returned home and purchased the Poplar Grove Hotel in 1959. The Poplar Grove Hotel was the building that his mother was born in, and he ultimately remodeled it and turned it into a grocery store and upstairs apartments, as well as making it a home for his family. On July 23, 1960 he married the love of his life, Marjory (VanSickle) at the Hunter Methodist Church. Together they shared 6 children and 62 years of marriage. The couple traveled the world together. They visited nearly every state in the US, and numerous adventures in different countries. His personal favorite was walking the Great Wall of China. Roger's community service included being a school board member at North Boone District 200, where his children attended. He was a member of the Church Board, 1-D Governor for the Lions Club from 1987 and 1988, as well as an adjutant for the American Legion post in North Boone. Roger also was a loved and respected Mayor of Poplar Grove for 19 years. He was also a rural letter carrier for 33 years. Roger will be remembered for the love he had for his family, his country, and his community. He will be deeply missed.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Marjory Day; their children, Cheryl (Jeff) Barlow, Suzanne (Ralph) Earp, Deborah (Ricky) Howarth, Stephen (Tara) Day, Curtis (Kathy) Day, Mary (Tyler) Day-Talley; grandchildren, Mandy, Molly, Marissa, Nichole, Ryan, Eric, Amy, Kennedy, Rachel, Emily, and Alisha; 14 great-grandchildren; brother, Eugene (Marjorie) Day; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and extended family whom he loved dearly. He is welcomed into heaven by his parents; as well as his brother, Donald Day; and sister-in-law, Margie Day.

A visitation for Roger will be on Thursday, March 30th between the hours of 4-8 pm at Poplar Grove United Methodist Church. Located at 105 E Grove St, Poplar Grove, IL 61065. Roger's funeral will be on Friday, March 31st at Poplar Grove United Methodist Church at 11 am. Burial to follow at Poplar Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Day family.