Dr. Vernon Bernard Dvorak, 84, life-time resident of Cary, died Thursday, March 30, 2006 at his home. He was born July 7, 1921 in a home built by his great-grandfather, a Czech immigrant, Karel Dvorak. He attended SS Peter and Paul Catholic Grade School, Crystal Lake High School and graduated in 1945 from Iowa State University with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree. During his 50 year career as a veterinarian, he worked for the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Veterinary Office of Mc Henry County, and he opened his own large animal practice. He was also an associate veterinarian to his long-time friend, Dr.Paul Arndt, of the Lombard Animal Clinic. As Dr. Dvorak was the only small animal veterinarian in Cary for many years, he managed a very popular small animal practice out of his home in Cary. During his career he developed several surgical procedures, and patented a device utilized for measuring and docking a dog's tail. He also developed his own nutritionally balanced dog food, which was a forerunner to commercial stage dog diets. He was honored as a valued member of the Illinois State Veterinarian Medical Association in 1995. While serving as an Army Veterinarian Corp Officer at Walter Reed Army Medical Center he was the head of the Meat and Dairy Hygiene program where hetrained dietetic interns. Dr. Dvorak received the National Defense Service Medal. He enjoyed gardening, cooking, song bird carving, and traveling. His recent travel experiences included Hawaii, Alaska, the Holy Land, and most recently a 3,300 mile train trip to Churchill, Manitoba, Canada to view one of the largest polar bear denning areas in the world. Dr. Dvorak will be remembered for his patience, perseverance and his inquisitive mind. He married his wife, Rilla Belle Zarley of Johnston, IA, October 29, 1945. Survivors include his sons, Dr. William S. (Laurie) Dvorak of Raleigh, NC and Mark R. (Debby) Dvorak of Lake Geneva, WI; a daughter, Susan E. (Berlyn Yazzie) Dvorak of Flagstaff, AZ; six grandchildren, Jeremy S. (Samantha) Dvorak of Billings, MT, Tyler S. (Jennifer) Dvorak of Janesville, WI, Lauren M. (Daniel) Battaglia of Malta, IL, Ryan J. Yazzie of Flagstaff, AZ, Lindsey C. Dvorak and Chelsea M. Dvorak both of Raleigh, NC; five great-grandchildren, Elijah J.Dvorak, Anna G. Dvorak, Lily L. Dvorak, Abraham M.Dvorak, Levi T. Battaglia; one sister, Agnes M. Dvorakof Cary; four brothers, Don C. Dvorak of Easton, WA, Charles J. (Joanne) Dvorak of Mt. Prospect, Richard R. (Mary) Dvorak of Lake Villa, Paul J. (Carol) Dvorak of Cary. In addition to his parents, Helen, nee Suchy, and Robert J. Dvorak, he was preceded in death by one brother, Robert G. Dvorak; his son, David D. Dvorak; and his wife, Rilla Belle, nee Zarley. Friends and family may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, at Kahle-Moore Funeral Home, 403 Silverlake Rd., Cary. The funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 5 at SS. Peter and Paul Church, 410 N. First Street, Cary. Interment will be at Windridge Cemetery in Cary. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to SS. Peter and Paul Parish, 410 N. First Street,Cary, IL.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Apr. 3, 2006.