Obituary: Verna Gebauer

Verna Beatrice Gebauer, 88, of Sturgeon Bay, was called Home to be with the Lord and was reunited with her husband, Wilford, on Wednesday, November 25, 2015, at home with family at her side.

She was born November 21, 1927, in Brown County, the daughter of Fred and Emma (Nighorn) Vander Kinter. Verna attended Fontenoy School in the Town of New Denmark, Brown County, and then Alaska Grade School in the Town of Pierce, Kewaunee County. She earned her high school degree later in life in 1983. Verna was united in marriage to Wilford George Gebauer on June 7, 1947, at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church in Kewaunee. They lived together on Wilford’s (Theisen) family homestead in Forestville and operated the dairy farm. From 1969 until 1984, Verna worked with Wilford for the Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) as a laboratory technician. Later in life, they moved to Santa Barbara, CA, and worked for a private estate. There, Verna cleaned, cared for the garden, and created floral arrangements.

Wilford and Verna were blessed with over 66 years of marriage. He preceded her in death on November 26, 2013. Verna missed Wilford and longed for the day they could be together again.

She had a great love for her faith and family. Verna was an active member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Forestville, the Ladies Aide, and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML). She was also a member of the East Maplewood Homemakers. Verna had presently been a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay since 1992 and was a Lamplighter for the Aid Association for Lutherans (now Thrivent Financial). She took wonderful care of her family and home. Verna enjoyed crocheting and sewing and made afghans for her grandchildren’s graduations and weddings. She liked Polkas, playing music, and square dancing.

Her love will live on in the hearts of her four children, Robert (Julie) Gebauer, Leola Gebauer, both of Sturgeon Bay, Daniel (Melanie) Gebauer of Sun Prairie, Craig (Kim) Gebauer of Whitefish Bay; eight grandchildren, Kathryn, Douglas (Melanie), and Michael (Kelly) Gebauer, Misty (Matthew) Dodge, Nicholas (Sarah), and Meghan Gebauer, William and Anika Gebauer; eleven great-grandchildren, Alana, Layla, Owen, and Odeanna, Lily, Issac, Grayson, and Natalie, Nolan and Emily, Bentley; and sister, Eunice (Earl) Siebert of Kewaunee.

She was welcomed Home by her parents; husband; grandson, Daniel; brother, Norbert (Olga) Vander Kinter; and brother-in-law, Joe Wierer.

A funeral service honoring Verna’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay with Pastor James Gomez officiating. Verna will be laid to rest beside her husband, Wilford, in Bayside Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorials may be given in Verna’s name for Unity Hospice.

The Gebauer family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff of Unity Hospice, especially, Wendy and Angie, for their compassionate care.

Huehns Funeral Home of Sturgeon Bay is assisting the Gebauer family with arrangements. Condolences and guestbook signing may be offered at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.