Verna Humphrey

Verna E. Humphrey was born in a snowstorm on March 11, 1924, the daughter of Gustave and Ella (Gaatz) Groskreutz. She passed away on June 22, 2017, in Wild Rose, Wisconsin, at the age of 93. Verna married Vernon M. Humphrey on Oct. 22, 1947 in Wautoma. He preceded her in death on Aug. 9, 2011.

Verna lived a joyful life and gave freely of her abundant love. When she was a young lady, she had fond experiences being known as "the pretty lady at the dime store." She looked back on her life in recent years with amazement that she met a man named Vernon on a blind date. Verna and Vernon Humphrey enjoyed almost 64 years of marriage and her life was never the same after his passing.

Verna and Vernon had one daughter, Phoebe (Thomas) Freese, Wautoma, who has been a loving daughter and especially was a godsend to Verna after Vernon's passing. Verna was an absolutely amazing grandmother to Natalie (Marc) Wilcox McCann, Seattle, WA, and Shawn (Anna) Wilcox, Hortonville, WI. Verna's great grandchildren are Madison and Aidan McCann and Trevor and Ty Wilcox. She baked the best cookies and gave the warmest hugs!

Verna's many nieces and nephews have been faithful, kind and cheerful visitors. Their love and thoughtfulness brightened many of her days. In addition to the family mentioned, Verna is survived by her sister, Erma Schram, with whom she exchanged frequent phone calls for many years. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Millie Humphrey and Florence Rooney. Verna will be missed by many more family members and friends.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and by three brothers, Arden (Linda) Groskreutz, Elmer (Ruth) Groskreutz and Wilbur (Ruth) Groskreutz; a brother-in-law, Omar Schram.

Verna's strong Christian faith has been a hallmark of her life. She wouldn't agree to marry Vernon until he became a Christian. The two were members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Wautoma until they moved to their farm in Coloma, at which point they joined Grace Lutheran Church in Deerfield.

Life at the farm was a delight for the 31 years they made it their home. Garden vegetables were shared with many and the homemade grape juice was a balm for any number of ailments. Guests were always welcomed with warm greetings, and no one ever went away hungry.  She loved children and provided childcare to families throughout her life. She also served as a member of the Ladies Aid at both Trinity and Grace Church.

As their health changed, Verna and Vernon made a decision to live at Rosemore Village in Wild Rose. Verna lived out her days thereafter Vernon's passing, and her family is grateful to the Rosemore and Agnesian Hospice teams who provided Verna with care through her final days.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Grace Lutheran Church, Town of Deerfield with the Rev. Dale W. Bahls officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday at the Church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, remembrances of Verna's life can be made to Grace Lutheran Church.