AKRON, Colo. – Verna left this earthly world to join our Lord in Heaven on November 20, 2021. She had been in the hospital with several chronic ailments. The last week of her hospital stay was in the care of Pathways Hospice in Loveland, Co. At the time of her death she was living in Akron, Colorado with her daughter.
Verna was born on February 15, 1935 at home in Sidney, Nebraska to Mark and Leona Schilz. She was the middle child of seven children. She attended school in Sidney, Platte Center, Belgrade, St. Edwards, and returned to Sidney to graduate high school at St. Pat’s in 1953. After graduation she held several jobs as a grocery clerk, typist, and wheat listing clerk.
She married Herman Unverzagt on December 24, 1956. They made their home in Lingle and to this union five children were born. During their marriage she kept house and worked in the fields when needed. She helped with catechism and served as a 4-H leader and community leader. She also did a lot of babysitting. Her great nephews would ask their parents when they were going out again so she could come over and make popcorn for them. They lovingly referred to her as “Popcorn Verna.”
After all her children graduated high school they divorced. She moved to Sidney and rejoined the work force as a motel housekeeper in Sidney and Cozad. She also worked at a care center in the laundry. She retired in 2007. After retirement she divided her time between her daughters. It was a standing joke that they had joint custody of her.
Verna enjoyed sewing, crochet, and all kinds of crafts. She also enjoyed reading, doing word search puzzles, listening to music, and watching the Huskers play football. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and family.
Verna was preceded in death by her son Jim; her parents; her siblings Don, Jim, Mary, and John; in-laws Maxine, Beverly, Carolyn, and Colin.
She is survived by her children Deb and Diane of Akron, Colo., Rob of Lingle, and Dan (fiancé Denise) of Sidney, Neb., daughter-in-law Teresa; her siblings Mark, and Barb; in-laws Bob, and Marlene; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Cremation was chosen. Bowin Funeral Home of Akron is in charge of the arrangements. A Celebration of Life for Verna will be held in the summer of 2022.
Memorial gifts can be made to the Heart Association, Diabetes Association, or Pathways Hospice of Loveland, Colorado.
