Vernice K. Marolf

Vernice K. Marolf, 83, of Mason City, died peacefully on Sunday, July 3, 2011 at home. Memorial services will be held 2:00 PM Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church, 119 S. Georgia with Pastor Sean McRoberts officiating. There will be no visitation. Inurnment services will take place at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Mason City Foundation or the First United Methodist Church.


Vernice was born on May 23, 1928 to Rev. Bruce and Kathryne Eshelman in Spencer, Iowa. Vernice attended grade school in various locations as the family moved frequently and graduated from High School from Pisgah High School, Pisgah, Iowa. She attended college at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, graduating with a degree in elementary education. Vernice taught elementary school at Stuart, Fontanelle and Clive, Iowa.
Vernice was married to Robert Joe Marolf on June 6, 1954 in Fontanelle, Iowa by Vernice's father who was a Methodist minister. Robert and Vernice then moved to Des Moines where Robert was employed at Preferred Risk Insurance Company. In 1965, Bob and Vernice moved to Mason City.
Vernice was very active in the First United Methodist Church in Mason City for many years and most enjoyed helping people in their need. Vernice created the role of Kitchen Coodinator at the Methodist Church and served faithfully in that role for many years. She was instrumental in obtaining new kitchen equipment for the church. Among the many activities that kept her busy were United Methodist Women and Sarah Circle at the Methodist Church, Meals-On-Wheels, volunteering at the Meredith Willson Music Man Square, and PEO. Vernice was also involved in the Occident Study Club. She also had a number of close friends with whom she and Bob enjoyed dinners, travel and fellowship.
Vernice was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Suzanne and a brother-in-law Roger. She is survived by her husband, Bob, her brother Bruce Eshelman; her children Kathy (Kent) Thompson of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Kristin (Jon) Salmon of Mason City; Michael (Maureen) Marolf of Dallas, Texas ; grandchildren Amy, Matthew, Alissa and Nathan Thompson; Robby and Katy Salmon; and Marissa, Daniel and David Marolf and numerous nieces, a nephew, other relatives and many friends.

Memorials:
Mason City Foundation or the First United Methodist Church

Visitation:
No visitation

Service:
2:00 PM Wednesday, July 6, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church