Age 87, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, November 20, 2012, at Northwest Hospital in Seattle, Washington.

Vera was born July 7, 1925, to Lewis and Edna Kemnitz (Kusler) in North Dakota. She attended Kulm High School and Wahpeton Business School. She moved to the "big city" after business school and her first job was at the large Sears store in Minneapolis - so exciting for a little "country mouse," I'm sure. She was living in her first apartment when a handsome soldier returned from the war and visited a friend in the apartment building and was immediately smitten with Vera and they were married in February of 1946. She later worked in a downtown law office and finished her work career at the law firm of Barna Guzy, where she learned computer billing skills and made many good friends. She also worked at a catering business for a time where she picked up many tips on how to not only make things taste extra good, but look pretty, too. She remained in touch with many of the bosses she had over the years.

In retirement, Vera visited Seattle every Summer to visit Marcia and the grandkids and great grandkids and on December 1, 2011 moved there. She lived in a wonderful adult family group home called "Our House" for her final year. The owner and main caregiver at the house, Amy Strecker and her husband, "Angel Steve" were such a blessing to all of us. Mom called Amy her "Fairy Godmother." Steve called Vera "liquid sunshine." She spent wonderful time with family and had a very busy, fun life. She made friends easily in Seattle, retained her fabulous sense of humor and enjoyed her life. She was well loved.

Towards the end of November, Vera developed an infection which lead to a broken pelvis on 11/15 due to a fall. Later while in the hospital she developed pneumonia which ultimately took her life. She passed over into heaven at about 6am on 11/20 to dance with her husband in heaven. Her family is sure there was a huge and joyful Thanksgiving table set up there in her honor! In the last days before her passing we believe she started having conversations with loved ones on the other side, saying joyfully, "Oh, hello! It's been so long since I've seen you!" and "I'm coming to see you soon, you know!" It was a great comfort to think that as we were sadly saying goodbye to her, there was a large excited loving group anticipating her arrival.

Vera will forever be in the hearts of her children, Karen Johnson of Minneapolis, Marcia Kelly-Parker (husband- Dan) of Seattle, WA, and Mark Johnson (wife- Holly) of Minneapolis. Also her grandchildren Shay Kelly of Seattle, Smoky Kelly (wife- Ikuko) of Japan, and Miles Kelly of Seattle and great grandchildren Justine Kelly of Seattle; and Nile, Jubilee and Eva Kelly of Japan. Vera was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Richard.

A favorite prayer of Vera's, learned in her many years in the Alanon program (she had a "black belt"!)

My Creator,
I am now willing that You
should have all of me,
good and bad.
I pray that you now remove
from me every single defect
of character which stands
in the way of my usefulness
to you and my fellows.
Grant me strength, as I go out
from here, to do your bidding.




Memorial Gatherings
In Seattle - Saturday, December 15, 4pm at Edmonds Presbyterian Church.
In Minneapolis--(probably in January--please check this website for updates) A service will be planned at First Lutheran Church in Columbia Heights with memorial gathering following at Parkview Villa.