Verna Emma Linnemann

October 28, 1926 - May 21, 2017

Verna Emma Linnemann, 90, left earth for her eternal home on May 21, 2017. Verna was a social butterfly who always listened to people, never left anyone out, and had a real passion for spending time with her family. In her 90 years on earth, Verna blessed us with many life lessons, a few we would like to share here: 1.) “Walking is the best form of exercise!” – Gym memberships were unheard of when Verna was growing up. She got her exercise working on the farm near Bremen, Kansas and walking 2 miles to school (once had to run through a field after being chased by a bull!) Moreover, Verna did not learn to drive until her oldest daughter was 17 years old. She often carried huge bags of groceries home from the store in both arms, but never complained. She was strong as an ox, with working hands as hard as leather, yet still as soft as silk. 2.) “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy coffee and donuts. And that is kind of the same thing!” – Verna loved waking up early and going to the donut shop with her daughters and twin sister Verda. Not only did she get to enjoy a sweet treat with her family, but she also got to visit with the people working behind the counter and the many customers sitting beside her. A very caring and compassionate person, Verna was quick to befriend and gave everyone a chance. 3.) “The best time to have a game night is on a day that ends in ‘Y!’” – Verna LOVED playing BINGO. She did not care if it was at home with grandchildren for monopoly money or at the VFW for $1,000, she was up for a game, anytime, anywhere! She also enjoyed having numerous friends and family over to eat and play cards. These gatherings never failed to elicit laughter and she had this giggle that made people smile when they heard it, as only Verna could laugh like that. 4.) “Family is not an important thing, it is everything.” – Verna was absolutely devoted to her family. She never went a day without talking to (or about) her best friend, and twin sister, Verda who she adored more than words can say. She was married to the love of her life Leroy, for over 50 years and they raised three children Susan, John, and Karen in Topeka, Kansas. She was a mother who could straighten you out with a glare, yet make you understand why with a forehead kiss. She nurtured her children and grandchildren to work hard, stay humble and be kind. She led by example and involved herself in every detail of her children and grandchildren’s lives, supporting them and loving them unconditionally. Life was never richer than when “her girls” were together, she received a hug from a great grandchild, or she was watching her son play ball. 5.) “Keep your head up and your heart strong.” – Verna knew more than her share of tragedy. She was predeceased by her parents, seven siblings, her husband, and her only son. But her love for her family and her faith in God somehow gave her the strength not only to go on but to love life without bitterness and instill in all of us a gratitude for every day we have together. Unfortunately, the last few years of her life she battled greatly with Alzheimer’s disease. Though the illness robbed her of many comforts, she refused to let it take her faith or her spirit. She never simply existed. Instead, she chose to live with ferocity and love, a superwoman until the very end. Verna is survived by her twin sister, Verda Ham; daughters, Susan (Robert) MacDevitt, Karen Linnemann; grandchildren Aaron (Pilar) Kipp, Melissa Kipp, Jason (Crystal) Kipp, Kelly MacDevitt,Kyle Linnemann, Chris (Nicole) Linnemann, Amber Baker; great grandchildren, Malina Kipp, Ethan Kipp, Matthew Kipp, Abby Kipp, Anna Kipp, and Caleb Kipp. Verna was predeceased by her parents Herman and Elise (Westermann) Dierking; her husband, Leroy Linnemann; son, John Linnemann; two brothers Norman Dierking, Edwin Dierking; five sisters Paula Wiechmann, Ruth Westermann, Ella Wollenberg, Esther Rippe, and Anna Holle. She will be laid to rest with her husband in Topeka, Kansas. Private graveside services will be conducted at a later date. Verna will be sorely missed by all. In lieu of flowers and donations we ask that you please hug a loved one and take a moment to express the value they bring to your life.