OWINGS, Verla Mae

Verla Mae Owings, 65, of Grand Island died Monday, February 13, 2006, at her daughter’s home in Grand Island following a long battle with cancer. Services will be at 10:30 A.M. Thursday at Messiah Lutheran Church in Grand Island. The Rev. Jack Eske will officiate. Burial will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 P.M. Wednesday at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home. The casket will be closed in accordance with Mrs. Owings wishes. Verla Mae was born February 14, 1940, at Mason City, NE to Dwight and Violet (Lewis) Brundiege. Survivors of the immediate family include three sons and a daughter-in-law, Allen and Diane DeBolt and Bryan Wilson all of Grand Island and Warren Wilson of Lincoln, NE; five daughters and two sons-in-law, LaDonna and Leo Wieczorek, LaNette Niedfelt and Robin and Kenneth Tesmer all of Grand Island, Marcy Owings and Sheri Lilly both of Colorado. Verla always said she gave birth to six children, raised eight and claimed ten children. Additional survivors include two ‘adopted’ daughters and son-in-law, Jo and Billy Melgoza of Hershey, NE and Marilyn Petska of Lincoln, NE; 26 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; three great-great- grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her special friends James Peister, Sr., James, Jr. and Sherri Peister and their three children. Verla attended school in Mason City until her family moved to Rockville where they owned and operated Brundiege Service Station. Verla graduated from Rockville High School. Verla was married to Richard DeBolt, with a son born to this marriage. She later married Lyle Wilson with two daughters and two sons born to this union. She then married Longion Krakowski with a daughter born to this union. Verla found the love of her life and married Ronald Owings on April 27, 1973. They united two families at that time, her six children and his two daughters. Ronald preceded her in death on April 29, 1990. Mrs. Owings worked for her sister and brother-in-law for several years at the Loup City Commission Company. She later worked for Third City Commission Company and Grand Island Livestock Company in Grand Island. Verla was an avid bowler, bowling until her illness no longer allowed her to. She loved to spend time with her family and close friends. She also enjoyed camping and traveling with her family. Verla was a member of the Grand Island Eagles Auxiliary #378. She and Ronald both went through all of the chairs of the Auxiliary and the Aerie respectively. Verla moved to Broken Bow in 1992 where she shared her last 14 years with her special companion, James Peister, Sr. While living in Broken Bow, she was employed by Central Nebraska Commission Company. Verla enjoyed working with the buyers and sellers associated with the business. She enjoyed all of her co-workers and had a special relationship with Sophie and a dear friend, Elaine. She was employed by Ron and Molly Woodward and later by Gary and Karen Roberts. Verla was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, LaVern; two sisters, Connie Sue Brundiege and LaVonne Day; her husbands; one granddaughter and one great-grandson.