Obit: Thomas, Verena M. (1926 - 2013)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Thomas, Schenk, Price, Echelbarger, Herscher, Telitz, Sluis, Papenfuss

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 11 May 2013

Thomas, Verena M. (21 APR 1926 - 26 APR 2013)

Verena M. Thomas, age 87, of Birchwood, WI, died Friday, April 26, 2013 at her home.

She was born on April 21, 1926, in Unity, WI, to August and Erna (Schenk) Price. After graduating from High School she attended and graduated from UW-Stout with a Degree in Home Economics. Verena was married to Warren Thomas on July 7, 1949, in Unity, WI. They owned and operated the Fred Thomas Resort in Birchwood from 1960 to 1986. Verena was an active member and a historian of the Birchwood United Methodist Church, a Lionette and was in several bridge clubs.

Verena Thomas is survived by her husband of 63 years, Warren Thomas of Birchwood, WI; 4 daughters, Christine Thomas-Echelbarger (David L.) of Racine, WI; Linda Herscher (Bob) of Birchwood, WI; Julie Thomas-Telitz (Tom) of Birchwood; and Anita Thomas (Karl Sluis) of Andover, MN; 2 granddaughters, Anna (Echelbarger) Rector and Leah Sluis; 7 grandsons, Mark, Dan and Scott Herscher, David T. Echelbarger, Christopher Sluis, Ted and Aaron Telitz; 4 great-grandchildren; a sister, Grace Papenfuss of Loyal, WI; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, August and Erna Price; 3 sisters and 2 brothers.

Funeral Services were held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at the Birchwood United Methodist Church, Rev. Mark Bartlett officiating, with interment in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Birchwood. Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Appleyard's Home for Funerals in Rice Lake and for one hour prior to the service at the Church.

Memorials appreciated to the Birchwood United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.