Verna L Gress, age 97, of Nebraska City passed away on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Nebr. City.
Verna Louise Gress was born on October 17, 1923 at rural Talmage, NE; the daughter of Carl F.W. and Florence W. (Liesemeyer) Damme. She grew up and attended school in the Talmage area, graduating from Talmage High School in 1941.
On June 4, 1946, Verna was united in marriage to Henry Joseph Gress at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Nebr. City. To this union four children were born: Kathleen, Karen, Donna and Dean.
Verna would have celebrated her 98th birthday on Sunday, October 17, 2021. She had lived at Morton Place since August 15, 2013. She enjoyed her years spent there and made it her home. Before marrying Henry, she worked at the School for the Blind from 1942 to 1946. She served as an Election Worker for the 1st Ward in Nebraska City for over 35 years. Sewing was one of her favorite hobbies and she really enjoyed the exercise program at Morton Place.
Verna joined St. Benedict’s Catholic Church before she married Henry and has been a faithful member ever since then. She also belonged to Christian Mothers/Altar Society and was the first president of Altar Society at St. Benedict’s.
Verna is survived by her children: Kathleen Martin of Lincoln, NE, Donna Gress of Oak Park, IL and Dean Gress (Susan) of Lincoln, NE; son-in-law Duane Madison of Sidney, IA; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; brother Raymond Damme of Talmage, NE; her Morton Place friends and other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Henry on February 16, 2013, daughter Karen Madison, grandson Brian, son-in-law Ron Martin, and sister and husband Evelyn Hope (Bob Hope).
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Nebr. City with Fr. Thomas Schultes celebrating the Mass. The Rosary will be recited at 10:15 a.m. prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will follow at St Benedict’s Cemetery.
Open Visitation is Wednesday at the mortuary from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m.
Memorials may be given to St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in lieu of flowers.
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