Verna Kuehling

Verna Kollberg Kuehling went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 19th, 2011. Her 3-month journey was a courageous one after suffering a severe stroke in late May. Verna was blessed with having her daughter, Mary, and her son, Paul at her side throughout much of the past 3 months, and they were both at her side at her passing. Verna's courage and never-ending positive, smiling attitude were evident and on display to the very end.

Verna was born in Black River Falls, Wisconsin to Nettie (Berg) and Carl Carlson. In 1949 she married Paul Gustaf Kollberg in Milwaukee. They resided in Oak Park and then Lombard, IL before the couple and their 3 young children moved to Madison in 1963. After her husband's sudden death in 1967, Verna bravely raised her young family on her own while working for 15 years as a secretary at Midvale Community Lutheran Church. Her ability to tirelessly provide for her children, and lead them with wisdom and grace has always been something her children have marveled at.

In 1983, Verna married Warren Kuehling and they had 13 wonderful years together. His devotion and love for her was ever present until his death in 1996.

Verna was a woman of exceptional musical talent, and her beautiful music at the piano blessed her family and many others throughout her life. Gifted with words, she wrote countless poems for friends and family as her sensitive spirit and marvelous sense of humor shone through. Verna was known for her servant's heart. Nothing seemed more important to her than doing things for others, as evident in her favorite daily morning prayer: "Show me, dear Lord, how to be a blessing to someone today".

Verna wanted to share the following:
"It has been a wonderful life - with many joys, a few sorrows, two loving and devoted husbands, 3 remarkable, loving children (for starters!) - the list goes on and on. My blessings have never stopped, and I thank God for that. I am grateful to you, my dear children and your families for adding so much to my treasured memories. I so loved being a mother, grandmother ("Bestemore") and a great grandmother."

Verna's mother and father, sisters Gladys and Bernice, brother-in-laws Henry Kleven, James Trebilcock and Merrill Owen, husbands Paul and Warren, and her oldest daughter, Alice Sharp, all preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter, Mary (Brent) Adamson, her son Paul (Debra) Kollberg, son-in-law John Sharp, grandchildren Micah, Peter, Anna and Josiah Adamson, Jennifer (Joel) Nellis, Ashley (Brandon) Rivas, Ryan Kollberg, Christina (Ben) Berray, Sarah Sharp, Matthew (Erin) Sharp, and 8 precious great-grandchildren including the latest born just hours before Verna's passing.

Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10am on Saturday, August 27th at Midvale Community Lutheran Church (4329 Tokay, Blvd., Madison). A memorial service will then be held at 11am, followed by a luncheon at the church.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the wonderful, compassionate staff at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska. Words will never suffice in expressing what a comfort and encouragement you all have been.

Respecting Verna's wishes, in lieu of a memorial fund, in her memory she hopes you will do a random act of kindness for a friend or stranger today.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, and I have kept the faith.
(II Timothy 4, 7-8)