Vernel Stenjem

Stoughton - Vernel Ananda Stenjem (Lund) passed into eternal rest on January 3rd, 2017. Vernel was born on September 1st, 1920 to Ole and Palma (Johnson) Lund. She spent her entire life in the Stoughton area except for a brief time living in California and also wintering in Arizona. She married Herbert Stenjem on October 19th, 1938 and had 3 children, Robert (Bobby), Darlene, and Marilyn.

Her family was always her #1 priority. In 1941 with a toddler to take care of, her Mother passed away at age 44. As the oldest she now had the responsibility to take care of her 13 year old, 10 year old, and 7 year old siblings. With the help of her 19 year old sister and 20 year old brother they managed to help her Dad raise them.

To say she was a crafter would be an understatement. Over her lifetime she made countless quilts, afghans, hats, scarves, rugs, and many other items that both friends and family enjoyed. You would always find her either sewing, crocheting, or knitting. Sometimes even in her sleep.

She was truly one of the strongest people we have ever known. She leaves a big void in our family that can never be filled. She had battled cancer 5 times over 30+ years, she had watched as all 6 of her siblings (Rollyn, Lorraine, Donald (Donnie),Eldon (Ebbie) and Audrey(Tubba) have passed away including Edsel, who when she was 6 years old passed away in her arms of whooping cough while her Mother desperately tried contacting a doctor. In 1994, after 56+ years together, Herbert passed away after suffering a stroke. She has also suffered the unthinkable loss of 2 of her children. Marilyn in 2008 and Bobby in 2014.

Vernel is survived by her daughter, Darlene (Robert) Anderson, Special Friend, Don Flattem. Grandchildren, Robert (Julie) Stenjem, Randy(Deb) Stenjem, Ross(Marie) Stenjem, Bryant Cook, Dean (Julie) Stenjem, Janelle (Mark) Geitt, and Gary (Carrie) Berge. Great-Grandchildren, Ryan, Kayla, Riley, Josh, Corey, Maggie, and Cody. Great-great Granchildren, Brooke, Lincoln, and Sawyer who was born on January 1st. She is further survived by a very special sister-in-law Katherine (Kacky) Lund who was not only a sister-in-law, but her friend. She is also survived by many, many nieces and nephews along with their families.

The family wishes to thank The Skaalen Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Agrace Hospice Care for their compassion and caring in her final days. We would like to send a special thank you to all those family and friends who made Vernel's last days more comfortable.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 9, 2017 at Cress Funeral Home, 206 W. Prospect St., Stoughton, with Rev. Jerry Tews presiding. Visitation will be held from 12 Noon until 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 8, 2017 at Cress Funeral Home in Stoughton. Additional visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of services on Monday. She will be laid to rest at the Lutheran South Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon following the burial at the American Legion Post #59 in Stoughton.