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Velma J. Berns

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Velma Jermaine Larson Berns, 95, passed away peacefully Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, at the Elkader Care Center. Velma was born on May 7, 1926, the daughter of Adolph and Anna Marie “Mary” (Johnson) Larson in Highland Township, Clayton County.

 

Velma graduated from Elkader High School in 1943. She was united in marriage on Feb. 21, 1944, to Herbert Berns. To this union were born a son and daughter, Gary and Sharon.

 

She took pride in all of the areas she excelled which came naturally to her. She and Herbert farmed and she worked side by side on the farm while doing exceptional jobs in the house cooking and baking. When Herbert became disabled with Parkinson’s disease, Velma was his caretaker while holding down a full time career in the dietary department of Central Community Hospital. She was highly praised for the work she did there.

 

Velma loved spending time with her family and preparing meals for them, and her family equally enjoyed being the recipients of this. Velma provided baked goods for functions in the Elkader area. She never missed a birthday and always had a stack of birthday cards ready to send out.

 

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where she served as a lector and also a member of St. Joe’s Crafters. Velma found much joy in this. She enjoyed playing cards in a number of card clubs over the years and spent time at the senior meal site socializing and playing cards. She also enjoyed her many trips to Branson with her brothers and sister. Volunteering at the Carter House Museum was another favorite pastime. Whatever she did, she always had a smile on her face!

 

Survivors include her children, Gary (Carol) Berns of St. Olaf and Sharon (Dan) Pearson of West Des Moines; four grandchildren, Greg (Heather) Berns, Julie (Bob) Frieden, Brian (Hillary) Berns and Brett (Andrea) Pearson; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Donald (Rita) Larson; and many friends.

 

Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert in 1989; granddaughters Brenda Berns Rodenberg in 2014 and Tara Pearson Swift in 2020; and five siblings, Norma Harrington, Ruby Rivers, Carroll Larson, Mervin Larson and Mildred Christianson.

 

Memorials may be directed to MercyOne Hospital in Elkader or your choice.

 

Visitation was on Sept. 28, at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elkader and one hour before mass at the church. Mass of Christian burial was Sept. 29, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader, with Rev. John Haugen as celebrant. Interment was at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Elkader.

 

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com.

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