Vera Vollstedt

Vera Lillian (Macumber) Vollstedt was born on November 19, 1928, in Manilla, Iowa, to George and Elnora (Grage) Macumber. She attended school in Manilla and graduated with the Class of 1947. Following graduation, she enrolled at Wayne State Teachers College in Wayne, Nebraska. After earning her degree, Vera taught school in Reinbeck and Manning, Iowa.

She was baptized and confirmed on December 19, 1951. On Christmas Day of 1950, Vera was united in marriage to Lyle Vollstedt at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manilla. Six children were born to this union: Becky, Steve, Ned, Ron, Kathy, and Tim. The couple made their home on a farm north of Manilla.

Vera could often be found working side by side with Lyle, baling hay, walking beans, and caring for the farm animals. She loved flowers, maintained a large garden, and enjoyed canning. Butchering was simply a way of life on the farm. She took great pride in her work and always made sure her rows were straight!!!

After Lyle passed away suddenly on November 4, 1986, Vera enrolled at Buena Vista College to update her teaching credentials. She then taught in Dunlap, at Zion Lutheran, and Job Corps. Upon retiring from teaching, she moved to Manilla in June 1997 to be closer to and help care for her mother.

Vera was a caring and compassionate person who could often be seen walking to Manilla Manor four or five times a day to care for family members. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Manilla and was a lifelong fan of the Dodgers and Patriots. Vera also served as president and secretary of the Western Iowa Chapter of the DAR until travel and paperwork became too difficult.

She lived in her home until June 12, 2024, when she moved to Gracewell Nursing Home in Denison. It was there that she passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, having attained the age of 97 years, six months, and ten days.

In addition to her parents, George and Elnora Macumber, Vera was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle; son, Ned; and her brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles.

She is survived by her children: Becky Vollstedt of Carroll, Steve (Carol) Vollstedt of Perry, Ron (Jill) Vollstedt of Manilla, Kathy (Kurt) George of St. Louis, Missouri, and Tim (LuAnn) Vollstedt of Arcadia; brother, Glen (Chris) Macumber of Manilla; sister-in-law, Ann Macumber of Denison; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as extended family members and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., with visitation beginning one hour prior starting at 9:30 a.m., all at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manilla. Burial will be held in the Nishnabotna Cemetery in Manilla. Memorials may be directed to the family.