Verna Vrchota

MASON CITY ? Verna Ruth Winchell Vrchota, 86 of Mason City died Monday (April 18, 2005) at Good Shepherd Health Center following a short battle with cancer. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1405 South Pennsylvania Avenue with Rev. Bill Poland officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5 ? 7 PM on Friday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 North Pennsylvania Avenue. Her cremated remains will be interred at Park Cemetery in Nora Springs. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa or Wesley United Methodist Church. Verna was born on November 17, 1918 in Mason City the daughter of Verona and George Winchell. She attended Mason City Schools and graduated in 1936. For several years she worked at a local law firm. Verna was united in marriage to Curtis Arthur Vrchota in Albert Lea, Minnesota on August 24, 1940. They resided on 12th Street SE where they raised six children. Verna was a Girl Scout Leader in the 1950?s and 1960?s. Verna was a longtime member of Wesley United Methodist Church. She served as the bookkeeper in the 1970?s. Verna enjoyed crocheting and making crafts for church bazaars. She shared her enthusiasm for nature by accompanying her family on walks where she identified flowers, trees, birds and rocks. Verna and Curt took particular pleasure in playing cards and taking senior bus trips. Verna is survived by her husband of 64 years, Curtis of Mason City; a sister, Gladys Renshaw of Burnsville, Minnesota; son LeRoy of Azusa, California, daughter, Janet (Mario) Riservato of New York City, son Dale (Carol) Vrchota of Louisburg, North Carolina, daughter, Jolene (Joe Schneider) Vrchota of Seattle, Washington, daughter Jean Holland of Montgomery, New York; grandchildren, Chane Vrchota of Richmond, Virginia; Justin and Luke Riservato of New York City, Alyssa and Lace Holland of New York City and Shelley Vrchota of Des Moines. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Gertrude Peterson and Dorothy Winchell, a brother, Robert Winchell and one son, Bruce Vrchota.

Visitation:
11:00 PM to 11:00 PM at on April 24, 2005 (map/driving directions) 11:00 PM to 11:00 PM at on April 24, 2005 (map/driving directions)

Service:
11:00 PM at on April 24, 2005 (map/driving directions)