Verna Helen Ciolkowski
Verna Helen Ciolkowski
Verna Helen (Gasser) Ciolkowski passed to her eternal home on March 4, 2015 at the age of 102 at Meadow Ridge Assisted Living in Baraboo. Verna was born to Selina (Accola) and George Gasser in Wilson Creek, Sauk County, Wisconsin on October 29, 1912. She was joined by a sister Irene and later by an adopted brother Raymond. There was never an absence of aunts, uncles and cousins to visit with throughout her childhood and later life. She met her husband C. Frank Ciolkowski in Lake Delton and was married on Nov. 6, 1937 on the former Marshall farm that her father owned. While Frank served his country in Europe during WW II, Verna worked at Badger Ordnance. At the end of the war they relocated to Chicago where they both worked for Ace Carton. Verna had her dream home, which she and Frank designed and built, but they both loved to travel and lived another dream when they retired at 55, bought an Airstream trailer and new Chevy truck. That rig became their home for more than 10 years as they traveled the United States. Their family of friends grew during this time as they met other travelers who then became their extended family.When they retired from traveling they returned to Baraboo to be near nieces and nephews. She again made new friends by volunteering in the gift shop/cafe at St. Clare Hospital every Monday morning. She actively served her Emanuel United Methodist Church family in babysitting for children during services and helping with funerals.The Hood, Dean, and Moon nieces and nephews and their families who survive her have warm, affectionate feelings for Aunt Verna, who knitted, and crocheted afghans for every wedding. She welcomed them into her home and spoiled them with her cooking and baking. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, LaVerne Dean of Marshfield and Harriette Hood of Heber Springs, AR and a very special cousin, Mary Ann Steuber of Menomonee Falls. Also surviving her are cousins, Gordon Gasser and Arlene Milton. Although she did not see them as often as she would like, she knew what was happening in all of their families and added in her memory the names of the new additions. Verna was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Irene Moon and brother, Raymond Gasser.Verna chose to enter Meadow Ridge assisted living facility in Baraboo in 2003. There she added her latest additions to her family when she came to know and love the staff that supported her and the residents who lived there. She knew all of their names and the stories of their families. As her eyesight failed, she still recognized them by their voices. She was the last of her living classmates from Prairie du Sac High School Class of 1930.Verna was small in stature, less than five feet. But bundled in that body was happiness and a concern for others. She was a good listener and had an incredible memory. She made a daily habit of praying for others.Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 9, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Redlin Funeral Home with Pastor Blake Overlien officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Baraboo Community Scholarship Corp., the Boys and Girls Club or Emanuel United Methodist Church.