Velma Nibbe

Velma Nibbe was called home by God on August 24, 2017.

Velma Anna Rohde was born on June 21, 1922 to Edward and Agnes (Wehling) Rohde. A proud member of the Greatest Generation, she grew up on the family farm near Greenwood, Wisconsin. After graduating from Greenwood High School, she attended and graduated from Central State Teachers College, now UW-Stevens Point and began her teaching career in a one-room school house, teaching children from Kindergarten through 8th grade. She would start the days by building a fire in the stove to have the room warm enough by the time the children arrived.

She was united in marriage on June 24, 1950 to Lendol James (John) Nibbe. They lived for a time in Eau Claire and Owen, but settled in Abbotsford, Wisconsin in 1953, where they lived until they moved to Madison in 2002. Velma and John had two daughters, Jana Beth and Pamela Lynn, but all the children she taught were "her kids." She started the first Kindergarten in the Abbotsford School District, and then took some time away from the classroom to stay at home with their girls. When Jana and Pam were both in school, she started the Remedial Reading program with the Abbotsford School District. She taught for over 20 years, using any innovative and creative method to inspire her students to love learning and reading. She was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church and its Priscilla Guild.

After both she and John retired, they spent time travelling around the country and visiting family and friends. Family was everything to Velma. She was the consummate grandmother, encouraging "help" in the kitchen and sharing her love of reading. Her creativity was expressed in many ways, including taking ceramics classes, macramé, knitting, writing, baking, gardening and, of course, reading.

Velma is survived by and will be greatly missed by her daughters, Jana (Erik) Hagen of St. Paul and Pamela (Dan) Hoadley of Madison; grandchildren, Jackson, Alex and Nina Hagen and Scott, Matt (Amanda), and Liz Hoadley; as well as by sisters-in-law, Gloria Nibbe, Francell Nibbe and MaryJean Nibbe; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Lendol, who passed away in 2010.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Cardiac Care Intensive Care Unit of UW Hospital for the support and compassion they showed. Please direct all memorials to that unit or to your local humane society. Services will be private.


To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release, let me go -
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, You can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness
I thank you for the love you each have shown
But now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that me must part
So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near -
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All of my love around you soft and clear

And then, when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile, and "Welcome Home."
Love, Mom


Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434