Vera Marie Garbes, 87

Vera Marie Garbes, age 87, of Shell Rock, Iowa, was born the daughter of Bernard and Hedwig M. (Kasemeier) Graf on May 20, 1936, on the family farm in rural Sumner, Iowa. She graduated from Sumner High School in 1954 and began working for Lutheran Mutual in Waverly, Iowa shortly after graduation.

On June 14, 1964, Vera was united in marriage with Carl Herman Garbes at the St. John American Lutheran Church in Sumner. To this union, two children were born, Lynnette in March of 1965 and Leon in November of 1967. The couple made their home on Carl’s family farm northeast of Clarksville, Iowa, where they continued to crop farm and milk cows.  

Over the years, Vera was very active in her church’s sewing circles, bible studies, helping in the kitchen, and was always available when needed for other various church activities. 

In her spare time, she enjoyed going square dancing with Carl, gardening, canning from the garden’s produce, making jams and her famous chocolate syrup, and family genealogy. She especially loved making homemade birthday and anniversary cards, plus calendars for the entire family every year. Most of all, she loved visiting with her family and friends. 

On Friday, July 14, 2023, Vera passed away at the Shell Rock Care Center in Shell Rock, Iowa, from complications of dementia. Vera is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Carl on March 24, 2016; her parents, Bernard and Hedwig Graf; and her sister, Eunice Guenther.

Vera is survived by her children, Lynnette Gleason of Waverly, and Leon (Deb) Garbes of Shell Rock; three grandchildren, Isaiah Gleason (fiancé Jocelyn Nolan), Trinity Gleason, and Ryan Garbes; two brothers, Donald (Betty) Graf of Overland Park, Kansas and Lee (Nancy) Graf of Evans, Colorado; one sister, Janelle (Ken) Hazlett of Cornville, Arizona; sister-in-law, Marlene Mennenga of Clarksville; and brother-in-law, Don Fenneman of Clarksville.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, July 18, 2023,  at Grace Baptist Church in Waverly, Iowa, with Pastor Jim Lee officiating.  Pianist was Jean Kampman and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “Jesus Is All The World To Me”.  Darla Erskine sang “God Will Take Care of You” and “Suppertime”.  The burial was held at Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville with Isaiah Gleason, Ryan Garbes, Neal Garbes, Leland Fenneman, Allan Kluiter and Dale Mennenga serving as Casketbearers.  Honorary Casketbearers were Mark Graf, Alan Graf and Mike Kasemeier.  

Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Monday, at the Redman Funeral & Cremation Services in Clarksville, and one hour before services at the church.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com