Vernelle M. Weis

Wednesday, November 8, 2017 2:22 pm

Vernelle M. Weis, 78, of Decorah, died Monday, Nov. 6, 2017, at her home of 50 years in Decorah. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah, with Rev. Phillip Gibbs officiating. Inurnment was in St. Benedict Cemetery in Decorah. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 at Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah, and Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m., one hour before the service, at the church. Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah served the family. Online condolences may be made at fjelstul.com. Lectors were her four grandsons: Benjamin, Adam, Richard and Henry Weis. Eucharistic ministers were Joan Rollins, Jodi Valentine, Mary Jo Werner, Carol Hopp, Rev. Phillip Gibbs and Roger Huinker. Gift bearers were her three granddaughters: Emily Weis, Helen Weis and Rachel Weis. Organist was Mary Beth Bouska. Cantor was Cindy Schissel. Hymns were “Ave Maria,” “Be Not Afraid,” “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” “Seed, Scattered and Sown,” “Simple Gifts,” by Richard Weis (guitar) and Rachel Weis (violin); and “The Prayer of St. Francis.”

Vernelle Marie Weis was born Jan. 30, 1939, in Decorah, the daughter of Sylvester and Vivian (Gossman) Carolan. She was baptized at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Vernelle graduated from Notre Dame High School in Cresco with the class of 1956.

Vernelle was united in marriage with Richard J. “Tip” Weis May 14, 1960, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Plymouth Rock, Winneshiek County. This union was blessed with five children: Jane, John, Michael, Allen and Robert.

Vernelle worked at A&J Agency before becoming a full-time wife and mother. Later she began working at Hale’s clothing store, which became Elaine’s, in Decorah, until she retired. She enjoyed volunteering for numerous charitable organizations, including St. Benedict’s church and school, as a local election judge, Aase Haugen Home, Winneshiek Medical Center and others.

She stayed very active with her many clubs and groups. She enjoyed golfing, playing cards, dancing, aerobics (from Fitness For Life to Curves), cross-county skiing, walking and spending time with family and friends. She was a member of Silvercrest Golf & Country Club, the Elks, Coterie Club and her coffee club. She especially loved watching her grandchildren in their many activities.

Vernelle is survived by one daughter, Jane (Derek) Loeb of Bend, Ore.; three sons: John (Beth) Weis of North Liberty, Mike Weis of Decorah and Al (Anita) Weis of Decorah; seven grandchildren: Benjamin (Kristin), Emily (fiancée Joe Kim), Adam, Richard, Helen, Henry and Rachel; her two brothers and two sisters: Pat (Pam) Carolan of Stewartville, Minn., Gretchen Carolan, Dean (Sherry) Carolan and Joan (Terry) Rollins, all of Decorah; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard ‘Tip’; their son, Robert; her parents, Sylvester and Vivian; and her sister, Kathleen (Loel) Erickson.