Posted By:	JUDY
	Email:
	Subject:	Verla Mae Severance Whiteaker obituary submitted
	Post Date:	May 01, 2009 at 08:42:03
	Message URL:	http://genforum.genealogy.com/severance/messages/474.html
	Forum:	Severance Family Genealogy Forum
	Forum URL:	http://genforum.genealogy.com/severance/

"Verla Mae (Severance) Whiteaker was born in Aberdeen, SD on March 11, 1924 to George and Ida Severance. Verla passed away on April 8, 2009 at the age of 85 at the North Ridge Care Center, New Hope, MN. Verla grew up in Aberdeen where she graduated from Aberdeen Central High School. Upon graduation Verla worked for the Milwaukee Railroad. On February 26, 1946 Verla married Leslie O. Whiteaker of Stratford, SD. After farming for four years, the Whiteaker's returned to Aberdeen where Verla worked for the R.W. Woolworth Company. In 1960 Les and Verla moved to Lake Wilson, MN. The Whiteaker's remained in Lake Wilson for 17 years where Verla raised two sons and worked as a cashier at the local bank. The Whiteaker's owned the local cafe that Verla helped manage. Being an outdoors person, Verla actively participated in fishing, golfing and raising a huge garden. In winter, Verla enjoyed the indoor sport of bowling. Verla donated her time and talent singing in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Choir. Verla also participated in the OES, serving as Matron and Past Matron. Upon retiring Les and Verla spent time in AZ, MN, and SD. Verla and Les spent 20 years traveling back and forth in a motor home enjoying the scenery and visiting their many friends and relatives. Summers brought Verla to South Dakota to manage a fireworks warehouse with Les. Summer also meant visiting their Canadian friends where they fished, golfed, and helped with the harvesting. Verla returned to Minnesota in 2004 to the North Ridge Apartments making many friends. Verla spent her final days in the Care Center at North Ridge. Verla was preceded in death by her parents, one son, and a brother. Verla is survived by her husband, Les; her two sons, Leslie J (Barb) of Ashland, WI and Steven D., of Boston, MA; five grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren; three sisters, Artie and Lone of AZ, Donna of CA and a brother Don of MA."