Vernice Svendsen
August 30, 1920 ~ July 18, 2016
Vernice Svendsen age 95 of Lawler, Iowa died Monday, July 18, 2016, at Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare in New Hampton.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 22, 2016, at Trinity Lutheran Church, New Hampton with Pastor Cindy Krause and Pastor Kevin Frey presiding. The cross bearer for the service will be Rod Flaskerud.
Friends may greet the family from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 22, 2016, at the church. Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton is in charge of arrangements.
Interment will be held in New Hampton City Cemetery, with John Frey, Karen Moffitt, Melissa Gallia, Damon Butler, Bobby Howell, and Kyle Svendsen serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers are Steve Hruska, Elaine Mayo, Paul and Rosemary Timlin, Al McKeg, Dave Mayo, Jack and Verna Orvis, Craig Stavnes, and Danny Steinlage.
Vernice Henrietta Svendsen was born August 30, 1920, in Postville, Iowa, the daughter of Verni and Lucy (Wersinger) Engle. She attended rural county school in Winneshiek County and graduated from Postville High School in 1936. Vernice taught country school from 1937 - 1942.
Vernice was united in marriage to Reuben Svendsen on June 3, 1942, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Postville. To this union five children were born. The couple farmed near Postville for ten years before moving to Lawler where they purchased a Feed and Produce business. She also worked as a substitute cook for Turkey Valley Community School for several years. Vernice was then employed by the Kitchens of Sara Lee for ten years from 1972 until retiring in 1982.
Vernice had a full life of enjoyment with her family and friends. She enjoyed the outdoors of her yard and flowers; the indoors of reading, crocheting, music, baking, and playing cards. Vernice especially enjoyed her children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who were her pride and joy.
Vernice is survived by three daughters, Dianne (Jack) Blazek of Lawler, IA, Beverly (Jerry) Frey of Mason City, IA, Mary Ann (Julio) Esquivel of Las Vegas, NV; son, Le Allyn (Cynthia) Svendsen of Steamboat Springs, CO; 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, John Svendsen of Decorah, IA; sister-in-law, Mary Svendsen of Castalia, IA; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Reuben (December 24, 1989); daughter Marcia Howell (March 10, 2002); son-in-law, Robert Howell (July 16, 2005); sister Joycelyn Bakewell; and half brother, Leonard Fisher.
Memorials may be directed to the family or a charity of your choice in Vernice's name.
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Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Services created a video in memory of Vernice H Svendsen
We only knew Vernice a short time but will miss her stories, her humor and her love for life. Cheryl and Dan Haggerty
Tony, Mary, Sarah, and our families purchased the Basket Full of Wishes for the family of Vernice H Svendsen.
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Vernice was always a delightful ‘young ‘ lady to visit with! She was always smiling and always positive about everything, she will be missed, but she is in a great place now!
Gift of Grace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Vernice H Svendsen.
To my childhood friends, Diane, Bev, Mary Ann, LeAllyn and your families: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother. Vernice was always so special to me when I was a kid visiting her & Reuben with my parents and even more so 60+ yrs later, whenever I would come home to Iowa, a stop at her house was a given – great pie & coffee and even better conversation! She was a link to my past that I will forever miss, just like that big welcoming smile and hug I always received whenever I was able to stop by her house. Although I am so sad to hear of her passing, I am looking at her photo you posted and can’t keep from smiling at all the wonderful memories we had! Bless you all, Craig & Judy Stavnes. Lexington, Kentucky.
Prayers to the family for the loss of your loved one. I had the pleasure of working with her at Sara Lee all those years ago and recently re-acquainted with her on our shuttle trips to Tama. When I told her who I was she said, ‘Oh, I got stories I can tell you’, which made me laugh. She was a sharp and witty lady and will be missed. Godspeed!! Sharon Carpenter
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Vernice H Svendsen.
Arrive in Style was purchased for the family of Vernice H Svendsen.
Enchanted Cottage was purchased for the family of Vernice H Svendsen.
A long time neighbor and good friend. I will miss her very much! The neighborhood will never be the same. Elaine Mayo
The town of Lawler has lost a wonderful lady with the passing of Vernice Svendsen. She always had a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone – a very vibrant person. My sincere sympathy to the family, she will be missed. Karen Schmitt
You have our deepest sympathy. She was such a kind, sweet lady. She will be missed but know how happy and well she is in heaven. We will be praying for peace and comfort for all of her family. Larry and Barb Weaver
To Vernice’s family You have our deepest sympathy. She was a great lady and enjoyed her coming into the bank.
I was blessed beyond measure to have 46 years with this amazing lady. She was present for every special event in my life and the lives of my children. She loved her family, friends, and community. She is truly one in a billion. Proud Granddaughter, Mica Frey-Harris
Vernice was one of the nicest ladies in Lawler. Always had a smile on her face. I remember walking across the street to the Hatchery from the Lumber Yard and she would poke her head out the door and say ‘Karen, come on in, we’ve got baby chicks in here.’ Heaven has gained a very lovely lady. Condolences to the the family.
Our deepest sympathy on your loss of Vernice. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Ken & Bridget Kuennen and family
My heart is filled with sadness but I know she had an amazing almost 96 years. She has touched so many people’s lives, each in a special way. I always said that the world would be such a better place if we were all a little more like my grandma…kind, non judgemental, accepting and full of unconditional love. I will miss our talks on her swing, breakfasts of asparagus with a sip of wine, watching her interact with my children, reviews of books we had read and hearing how every person she encountered loved her. Her mind was so keen, her smile priceless and her qualities are those we should all try to emulate. She will be missed dearly and loved eternally. Rest in peace grandma.
I’m sorry for your loss. I know you have many good and loving memories of Vernice. Try to recall them as you cope with her loss. Prayer to God will help give you comfort during this sad time. Matthew 5:4.
Our Deepest Sympathy& prayers surround you through this difficult time. Your Mother was so Unique, special to all. The Kout Family, Bill Julianne & Sam
My neighborhood has lost one classy lady. I have so many great memories of Vernice. She really was a grandma to the whole neighborhood whether you were a kid or an adult. Vernice was such a great hostess and wanted to wait on you as soon as you came in the door. How many people have a 90 year old neighbor that would walk over with a lemon meringue pie they have just made? Vernice’s annual Christmas Teas were always such a treat. She had all kinds of homemade candies and cookies. And at Easter time each neighbor got a plate of decorated cupcakes. But what I will miss most about Vernice is her beautiful soul that only had kind words to say about others. Rest in peace Vernice. You will be missed. Our sympathy to her family.
So sorry to hear of Vernice’s death. I spent a lot of day and nights at her house growing up and never once heard Vernice raising her voice or without a smile on her face. I made sure to stop in and visit on my returns to Lawler. The last time I visited Bev, Bert, Bernice , and I sat on the porch and shared many stories. We even had the 1963 year book looking at pictures of Bev and me. Try to let the many good times you shared with her ease your sorrow during this difficult time. Love, Joanne Murray Buelow
To the family of Vernice—-I know your sweet Mom thru Bev and what a special lady. She was so fortunate to have such a full and active life. May all your memories help you thru this time of grieving and bring you joy in knowing she is at rest in the hands of her Saviour.
My condolences to all of Vernice’s family. She was a rare being…free of the complications so many suffer. She had such equanimity and committment to be simply happy, regardless. I will miss seeing you on Friday.
My sincere sympathy to Dianne, Bev, Mary Ann, and Le Allyn and all the rest of the family. Vernice was an amazing lady and she has earned her everlasting rest. Your are in my thoughts.
My condolences to the Svendsen family. I have many great memories of your mother, way back to when we sold eggs at Svendsen Produce. She had a smile on her face then and overtime I saw her since.! She was a great lady, always loving, always caring. May she RIP.