65681_Verena Gertrude_Pitzen
STACYVILLE | Verena Gertrude Pitzen, 95, died Dec. 3, 2013, at the Stacyville Nursing Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville, with the Rev. Raymond Burkle officiating. Burial will be in the Visitation Cemetery, Stacyville.
Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday with a Rosary at 4 p.m. at Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville. Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home of St. Ansgar, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.
Verena was born Sept. 1, 1918, the first child of Ferdinand and Louise (Steiger) Durben in Stacyville. Her younger brothers were Francis (Sonny) and Clarence. Verena attended parochial school and graduated from Visitation Catholic School in 1936.
On Sept. 30, 1939, Verena was married to William C. Pitzen, son of Fred and Christina Pitzen, at Visitation Catholic Church, Stacyville. Verena and Bill farmed on land northwest of Stacyville. Verena was a helpmate to Bill on the farm until 1978, when they built their retirement home in Stacyville.
Verna was a member of the Catholic Order of Women Foresters and the Thread Clippers Quilt Club. She was a longtime volunteer at the Stacyville Nursing Home helping residents in craft activities and during the weekly Mass. Verena had many interests and hobbies which included gardening, baking, going to auctions and antique shows with friends, collecting antiques, handcrafting items and quilting. She was a perfectionist in refinishing many pieces of furniture for their home. Her faith and good humor were visible to those who knew her. Verena enjoyed the visits from nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and also did some babysitting when called upon.
She will be remembered for her willingness and kindness in helping out many family members during times of illness and their stays at the nursing home.
In November of 2006 Verena made the Stacyville Nursing Home her residence.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bill on Sept. 25, 1983; two brothers, Francis (Sonny) Durben and Clarence Durben.
Verena is survived by sisters-in-law Yvonne Durben of Rochester, Minn., and Betty Durben of Portland, Ore; special friends Jim and Elaine; and many nieces and nephews and friends.
Schroeder and Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, Iowa. 641-713-4920. www.schroederandsites.com
No Photo