Verla Handel (1930-2022)

HANDEL, POLLOCK, ASTGEN, FLANAGAN, FIELDS

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 9/14/2022 at 10:03:58

Verla “Mary” Handel, 92, of Strongsville, OH, formally of Asbury, IA passed away the evening of Thursday September 8, 2022 at her residence within Generations Senior Living of Strongsville, OH surrounded by family and friends.
A memorial Mass at Resurrection Catholic Church in Dubuque, IA in addition to a private family graveside internment is yet to be scheduled at Dubuque Memorial Gardens, where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Roger. Estimated to occur sometime in the Spring 2023.
“Boots”, as she was known by her family and close friends or “Mary”, by many others, was born March 2, 1930 in Dubuque, IA, the daughter of Emmett J. and Cleo E. (Pollock) Astgen. She was a graduate of St. Joseph Academy, class of 1948. On April 28, 1951, she was united in marriage to Roger Dale Handel in Dubuque. He preceded her in death on July 6, 1998.
Mary was Secretary to the Principal of Senior High School for over 25 years. She enjoyed sunny days, picnics and gatherings with family and friends, horses, golfing, flowers and gardening, travel, watching the Green Bay Packers football and the Iowa Hawkeyes. She had a passion for playing cards, especially euchre with her high school group of friends for over 50 years. But most, she loved spending time with her family.
Mary was a long-time member of Resurrection Catholic Church in Dubuque, IA and a volunteer at the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. During the Korean Conflict, she was employed by the Civil Service in Savannah, IL and Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.
Surviving are two children, Lisa Flanagan of Broadview Heights, OH and Jeff (Stacey) Handel; along with 2 grandchildren, Lauren Handel and Kelsey (Evan) Fields from the Knoxville, TN area.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband Roger, parents, Emmett and Cleo, her siblings Darlene “Deanie” Blok and Darold “Jim” Astgen, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Emil Handel and Rose (Oneyear).
Mary’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff from Generations Senior Living of Strongsville and Cypress Hospice for the wonderful care and support given to Mary.
Memorials in Mary Handel’s honor may be sent to Cypress Hospice, 2 Berea Commons, Suite 1, Berea, OH 44017.