Verna B. Schieck, 98

Verna Blanid Schieck, 98, of Austin, MN died peacefully and prayerfully in her sleep on Sunday, April 7th, 2024. She had recently been a resident of Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin. She and Virgil were faithful members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church for 77 years.

Verna was born on the family farm near Hayfield, MN on February 20th, 1926 to Julia (Estby) and Milo Juelson. She and her family were members of what was originally known as West St. Olaf Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church outside of Hayfield, where Verna was baptized and confirmed. An only child, Verna enjoyed school, attending District 59 County School through the 8th grade and graduating from Hayfield High School in 1943. After graduation, Verna attended Mankato Commercial College in secretarial studies. A valued and dedicated employee, Verna was employed at the Vernon Creamery, Sears & Roebuck and Hanson Oil Company.

Verna married her beloved Virgil Schieck on June 21st, 1946. They had a loving and committed life together traveling in the United States, as well as Europe. Their travels included trips to Hawaii, Germany, Norway, Denmark and Canada. While in Norway, Verna was able to discover her Scandinavian roots, while making lasting friendships with fellow travelers. In Germany, many of Virgil’s relatives were visited and enjoyed, establishing loving family connections that remained throughout their lives. Verna’s love of and giftedness in correspondence brought people together. Family and friends often visited Verna and Virgil sitting around the dining room table to sip coffee, enjoy delicious treats and participate in warm, inviting conversation. Hospitality in action! Square dancing was another part of Verna’s life with Virgil, which brought fun and “fancy” into their lives.

Verna was a special and devoted Auntie to 14 nieces and nephews: Marcia Christianson (decd.), Michael (Lorinda) Schieck, Rita (George) Heydt, Sally (decd.) (Randy) Pettitt, Dwight Schieck, Dennis (Barb) Schieck, Thomas (decd.) Schieck, Kristine (Dennis) Hanson, Jane Mosman, Joel (Pearl) Schieck, Richard (Mary) Schieck, Ronald (Gloria) Schieck, Jeanine (Ross) Kvittem and Roberta (Greg) Schieck. She was also an interested and loving Great-auntie and Great-great-auntie to many children, who now number over 50.

Verna was preceded in death by her parents and in 2016, her dear husband, Virgil. We will miss Verna’s sweet countenance and demeanor along with her familiar words, “Thanks for coming. Come again!”

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, April 12th at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with the Reverend Gemechu Olana officiating. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will take place from 10:30 to 11:00 am before the service.

The family would like to suggest memorials be given to Holy Cross Lutheran Church.