Vernice Brelig Jung, 99, of Glen Carbon, IL, formerly of Columbia, MO, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL.

She was born on January 14, 1927, in Chester, IL, to the late George and Laura (née Eggemeyer) Brelig. Vernice grew up helping on the family farm and later worked in the family shoe store after her family moved into town.

She graduated from Chester High School and, as a young adult, worked as a bookkeeper at Cole Milling Company and Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. On September 2, 1948, she married Loren Jung, and together they raised four children.

Vernice was an active and dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbia, MO, prior to moving to Glen Carbon. She lived in Columbia for over 30 years and in Carbondale, IL, for 30 years. She later became a member of Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MO.

She enjoyed entertaining family and friends in her home and especially cherished time spent with her grandchildren. Vernice also loved traveling, sewing, gardening, working on word puzzles and Sudoku, and antique shopping.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Loren Jung; two sons, James Loren Jung and Thomas Loren Jung; and her sister, Elvera (Willard) Rathert.

She is survived by two daughters, Nancy (Paul) Smolak and Kay (Charles) Kinder; grandchildren, Katie (Terrence McKinnies) Smolak, Michael Kinder, Molly Kinder, Matthew (Madyson) Kinder, and Stephen Jung; great-grandson, Zayden Jung; a brother, George (Pat) Brelig; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL. Funeral services will follow at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Theodore Laesch officiating. Burial will take place at Paradise Cemetery in Steeleville, IL.

Memorials are suggested to Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries or Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church. Donations may be made at the visitation or mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.