Verna died peacefully, Tuesday, February 18, 2025, surrounded by loving family and supportive staff at Parkview Memory Care in Portland, Oregon.

Verna was a remarkable person, bringing laughter and light to all those she met. She never forgot to dance.

She was born in Elgin, North Dakota to James and Erna Lange. Verna's family farmed the property that was homesteaded by her grandfather Herman Lange located in southwestern North Dakota. At age 4 she moved with her family to a dairy farm near Paoli, Wisconsin.

During her years on the farm Verna developed multiple skills including milking cows, sewing, cooking, animal care, driving tractors, and bucking hay bales. Verna's home was always filled with family and friends where an abundance of laughter was shared and often accompanied by great food and enthusiastic card games. During her childhood years she developed an interest in 4-H and the accordion. She and her brother Neil attended the one room Paoli Schoolhouse for several years, then completed their primary education at Verona High School.

Influenced by her surroundings, she decided to pursue a career in dietetics and nutrition. The journey started at Stout State University where she received her undergraduate degree. She was very involved with her sorority and acquired a knack for racing stock cars on lake ice in the winter. She then attended the University of Kansas to earn a master's degree in nutrition and dietetics.

While working as a dietitian at St. Paul, Minnesota she met her future husband Stephen who was enrolled at the University of Minnesota Medical School. After Stephen left for an elective course of study in New Zealand, Verna later joined him there. They were then bonded in marriage at the Church of the Good Shepard on Lake Tekapo in 1972.

After Steve's postgraduate training was completed, they found work in several communities until eventually settling in Gig Harbor, Washington where their daughters grew into adulthood. During her years in Gig Harbor, Verna was actively involved in her career. She established a private practice, provided consultation for group homes and hospitals, contributed to newspaper and magazine articles and volunteered her expertise to the community. Verna was committed to her family, friends, profession, church and community. Her home was always open and welcoming to all who entered.

Verna and Steve later moved to Moscow, Idaho where Verna worked for Washington State University and the University of Idaho in the field of nutrition and dietetics. She was an active member in the First Presbyterian Church of Moscow for many years serving as a church officer and helping to orchestrate the Wednesday Supper Fellowship. Following retirement, Steve and Verna traveled about in a small trailer they acquired. This was a wonderful experience for them both. To be closer to family Steve and Verna relocated to Portland, Oregon in 2024.

Verna was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband Stephen, daughters Erika and Kathryn with husbands Guy and David, grandchildren Malia and Reed, and her brother Neil and his wife Toni.

With her enchanting personality and beautifully radiant smile, Verna brightened every room. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed by her friendship.

Verna was laid to rest alongside her parents at the Paoli Cemetery on Friday, February 28, 2025.

The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville assisted.