VRCHOTA (Winchell), Verna 1918-2005

VRCHOTA, WINCHELL, RENSHAW, RISERVATO, HOLLAND, PETERSON

Posted By: Jeannine Peterson (email)
Date: 10/25/2012 at 11:35:09

Verna Ruth Winchell Vrchota, 86, of Mason City, died Monday, April 18, 2005, at Good Shepherd Health Center following a short battle with cancer. Memorial services were held Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Bill Poland officiating. Her cremated remains were interred at Park Cemetery in Nora Springs.

Verna was born on November 17, 1918, in Mason City, the daughter of Verona and George Winchell. She attended Mason City schools and graduated in 1936. For several years she worked at a local law firm.

Verna was united in marriage to Curtis Arthur Vrchota in Albert Lea, MN on August 24, 1940. They resided on 12th Street S.E. where they raised six children. She was a Girl Scout leader in the 1950's and 60's. Verna was a longtime member of Wesley United Methodist Church and served as the bookkeeper in the 1970's.

Verna enjoyed crocheting and making crafts for church bazaars. She shared her enthusiasm for nature by accompanying her family on walks where she identified flowers, trees, birds and rocks. Verna and Curt took particular pleasure in playing cards and taking senior bus trips.

Verna is survived by her husband of 64 years, Curtis, Mason City; a sister Gladys Renshaw, Burnsville, MN; sons, LeRoy Vrchota, Azusa, CA, Dale (Carol) Vrchota, Louisburg, NC; daughters, Janet (Mario) Riservato, New York, NY, Jolene (Joe Schneider) Vrchota, Seattle, WA, Jean Holland, Montgomery, NY; grandchildren, Chane Vrchota, Richmond, VA, Justin and Luke Riservato, New York, NY, Alyssa and Lace Holland, New York, NY, and Shelley Vrchota, Des Moines, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Gertrude Peterson and Dorothy Winchell; a brother, Robert Winchell, and one son, Bruce Vrchota.

Mason City Globe Gazette April 2005