Date of Birth:
Saturday, October 11, 1913
Date of Death:
Monday, February 21, 2011
Age:
97 years old

Verleen Elizabeth Neal

Verleen was born on October 11, 1913 in Eyota, MN to Jesse and Frances Neal. Her father passed away when she was 18 months old and her mother later married Verleen’s uncle, Charles Neal. She attended school in Eyota, and graduated from Eyota High School.  In 1929, the family moved to Marion, where Charles owned the Marion filling station. As a young woman, she assisted Charles with his filling station, and worked at the Marion grocery store. For many years, Verleen faithfully took care of her ill mother Frances, who died in 1951. In 1973, Charles “Charley” died. After his death, she worked for a local drapery company with her good friend Vivian Schmidt.  Later, she provided in-home healthcare for a close friend, Freeda Kester. In 1979, she moved to Rochester. In early 1980, she became “Grandma Verleen”, babysitting her first of five “grandchildren”.  She continued to babysit until 1991. Verleen moved to Central Towers of Rochester in 1993.  She later moved into assisted living in 2009. Verleen was a devout member of Marion Church of Christ, and was a member of the WCTU (Women Christian Temperance Union), and the Marion Missionettes. As a young woman, Verleen enjoyed singing, and became an accomplished soloist. She was known for her beautiful crochet work, which she shared with many friends. She shared her love of animals with her “grandchildren”.

Verleen is survived by her “family”: Jim and Maureen Newell and their children, Jessica (Luke) Wittkop, Ira (Gina) Newell and Laura (Ryan) Lowry. Jerry and Dawn Wehrs and their children, Kia (Phil) Garofano and Kari Wehrs. Four “great-grandchildren”, Kiara, Anthony, McKenna and Gabriella. Verleen was anticipating the birth of two additional great-grandchildren: baby Wittkop, and baby Newell. Also surviving are Verleen’s “cousins” and her close church family.

Verleen is preceded in death by her parents, her step-father, and her long time friend, Nate McCaleb.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00PM on Friday, February 25, 2011 at Marion Church of Christ with Pastor Rick Walston officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Marion Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to Marion Church of Christ, or Crossroads College.