Verdyne E. Wacker was born June 29, 1926 in Ruso, North Dakota to Gregor and Caroline Thoreson. She died on February 6 at her home. She graduated from Turtle Lake High School and married Walter in 1943 in Glendive, Montana. In 1945, Walter and Verdyne were both baptized at Brush Lake, north of Mercer, ND. They were married for 62 years before Walter's death in 2006. Verdyne was a wonderful loving mother with six children, 11 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.
Verdyne worked at a variety of care giving jobs throughout her life. Her family was always first and foremost. She was known as the prayer warrior, not only for her family but for others in need. "Mom" was witty, fun-loving, and loved to bake, watch Jeopardy, do crosswords, and had a knack with flowers and plants. She loved reading her Bible, sharing her wisdom and faith which she passed on to her children and their families. She was known for her welcoming heart for anyone that was in need of an affirmation or a meal. She touched the hearts of many and will be missed by not only her family but many relatives, friends and acquaintances. Up until her death, she was praying daily she could be a blessing to someone.
Verdyne was preceded in death by her husband, parents, three brothers, one sister.
Grateful for having shared her life are her; daughter, Dee Wacker, of Sioux Falls, SD, daughter, Janelle (Dr. Charles) Hiatt, of Sioux Falls and children, Tim (Melissa), Jon (Stephanie), Aaron (Sarah); daughter, Dr. Melody (Arnie) Schopp of Meadow, SD and children, Dr. Heather and Stephen; son, Jay (Linda) Wacker of Bismarck, ND and child Michael; daughter, Gay (Jeff) Anderson of Sioux Falls, SD and children Sarah, Karmen and Zachery; son Paul (Donna) Wacker of Turtle Lake, ND and children, Lorea (Layne) Watson, and Ethan. Verdyne said her six great-grandchildren were her "sunshine spreaders." They are Joseph, Lily Tyler, Caleb, Lucas and Ashlyn and the two additional great-grandchildren she was anxiously awaiting.
Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 13, 2010 at Trinity Baptist Church in Sioux Falls with burial at Turtle Lake Cemetery in Turtle Lake, ND. Visitation will be Friday with the family present from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls. A memorial service will be held at the Turtle Lake Baptist Church on Monday, February 15 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will take place one hour prior.