Verna F. Wilen

SIOUX CITY -- Verna F. Wilen, 95, longtime Sioux City resident, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2009, in a Sioux City hospital following a brief illness.

There will be no formal services for Verna. Private family interment of her ashes will be held in Logan Park Cemetery, Sioux City. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berger Northside Chapel.

Verna F. (Murphy) Wilen was born Aug. 18, 1913, to B. Frank and Emma (Moore) Murphy in Victoria, Texas. She attended Sioux City schools. Verna married C. George "Lefty" Wilen in 1931. They were married 54 years until George passed in 1985.

Verna was a wonderful wife, mother and homemaker. She worked many years at Younkers in the 1960s and 70s. Verna and her husband spent winters in Apache Junction and Mesa, Ariz., during their retirement years. She was well known for her delicious baking and meticulous crafting. She was involved in many community activities. Verna was a die-hard Iowa Hawkeye football fan and never missed watching a game.

Verna was a beloved mother, wife, grandmother, sister and great-grandmother. She will be remembered with great love and missed by many.

She is survived by a son, George (Connie) Wilen of Scottsdale, Ariz.; a daughter, Cathy Podwysocki of Sioux City; three grandchildren, Steve (Lisa) Wilen, Kerry (Paul) Schneider and Kris Brown; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George; her son, Alan Wilen; her son-in-law, Bogdan Podwysocki; and her sisters, Vivian Mack and Vera Spring.

Memorials may be directed to National MS Society-North Central States Chapter, Sioux City Group, 2508 S. Carolyn Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57106.