Vera Mesenbrink

Vera Messenbrink

Officiating

Reverend Andrew Johnson

Congregational Hymns

 “I’m But A Stranger Here”     “How Great Thou Art”

“I Know That My Redeemer Lives”

Carlys Stribe, Organist

Casket Bearers

Kim Mesenbrink     Nick Mesenbrink

John Mesenbrink     Rick Hickey

Lance Kruse     Jeff Sievertsen     Eric Mesenbrink

Interment

Nishnabotna Cemetery, Manilla, Iowa

Vera Guida, daughter of John Fred and Adelia (Lapel) Odefy, was born June 20, 1917 in Manilla, Iowa. When she was one year old, Vera moved with her family to Platte, South Dakota, and attended school in Castalia through the eighth grade. The family returned to Iowa in 1928.  She was baptized on September 28, 1918 and confirmed into the Lutheran faith on April 28, 1933 by Reverend Frese.

     On April 4, 1936 Vera was united in marriage with Francis Merle Mesenbrink by Reverend Frese at the Lutheran parsonage in Denison. Five children were born to this union.  Vera and Francis farmed northeast of Denison for seven years and the two miles north of Manilla until 1992, when they moved into Manilla due to Francis’ health. They enjoyed traveling to the Northwest states and seeing the mountains, playing cards and socializing.  Vera was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Priscilla Guild. She liked to knit, crochet, paint china, quilt, do cross stitch and all kinds of crafts.

     In 2015 Vera became a resident of the Manilla Manor Nursing Home in Manilla where she passed away on Saturday, February 23, 2019, at the age of 101 years, 8 months and 3 days.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Francis Mesenbrink in 2002; stillborn son Gerald Mesenbrink; daughter Joan Wittrock; granddaughter Renee; grandson Adam; sisters: Erma Vogt, Lydia Bechen, Leona Odefy, Ellen Bechen and Hilda Comstock and brothers Elvin Odefy and Arlo Odefy.

     Vera is survived by her children: Dennis (Edie) Mesenbrink of Edmond, Oklahoma; Merle (Deanna) Mesenbrink of Cherokee and Craig (Sue) Mesenbrink of Storm Lake; son-in-law Jim Wittrock of Manning; 12 grandchildren: Rhonda, Rick, Renita, RaeJean, Kim, Kristie, Karla, Rachel, Maria, Eric, John and Nicholas; 29 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.