Verna F. Waddell

WINFIELD, Ill. — Mrs. Verna F. Waddell, 86, of Winfield, Ill., passed away Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010.

Born Oct. 13, 1923, in Streator, Ill., she was the daughter of Martin and Anna (Johnson) Fjelde of Gardner, Ill. Verna was quite a person. She was born a preemie, and was so small she had to be kept in a dresser drawer near the stove to keep warm. She fought all odds and survived.

Verna is a descendant of the original Norwegian pioneers of Illinois. Verna is a graduate of Gardner-South Wilmington High School, where she met her lifelong husband Bob.

Verna was a professional secretary her entire life, working for the Department of the Navy during World War II, Hornsby’s, Grundy County Bank and finally as Senior Secretary for Bell Labs in Murray Hill, N.J., and Indian Hill Labs in Naperville.

Verna could do anything from music, art, cooking, sewing, gardening and decorating. Her living room was even featured in Better Homes and Garden magazine.

Verna was an avid collector who loved garage sales and always found a great deal. Most of all, Verna was always a lady, wonderful wife, great mother and good friend.

Verna is survived by her two sons, Jack Waddell of Annandale, N.J., and Jim (fiancé Amy Korn) Waddell of Winfield, Ill.; two grandchildren, Jennifer and Robert Waddell; one sister, Arlene (Fjelde) Calvin Frelk of Merrillan, Wis.; one sister-in-law, Margaret Fjelde (Dalziel) of Gardner; two nieces, Ginger (John) Ahl and Martha Sue (Dan) Ondrejko; two nephews, Karl and Erik Fjelde; grandnieces; grandnephews; several cousins; many friends, including Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson; and extra special friends, Marilyn and Judi.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bob Waddell; and brother Roy Fjelde.

Verna will lie in state from 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010, until the time of service at 11 a.m. at United Lutheran Church of Gardner, 309 E. Jefferson St., Gardner, Ill. Rev. Royan Rodney will officiate.

Interment will be at Gardner Prairie Cemetery.

Contributions in Verna’s memory can be made to United Lutheran Church, 309 E. Jefferson St., Gardner, Ill., 60424, Gardner Prairie Cemetery or your favorite charity.