Verna Borman

Verna Bernice Kluender Borman, 91, Town of Easton, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2014 at Marathon Assisted Living, Marathon.

She was born May 27, 1922 to the late Henry and Emma (Stolze) Kluender in the house her parents built and where Verna lived for almost her entire life. She grew up helping her parents with clearing the land, planting and harvesting crops, caring for the animals, and doing household chores. Her best friend was Lorraine Hoppe Zahrt, and they completed grades 1-6 at the Farewell School. When the time for confirmation came, both girls transferred to Zion Lutheran School since their families were members at Zion Lutheran Church. They were confirmed on June 6, 1937.

After Verna finished the 8th grade, she went on to various jobs ranging from helping her parents on the farm to working at Marathon Battery during the war. She served as nanny and housekeeper to many families in Wausau and especially for Hilda and Adolph Seefeldt, owners of Seefeldt's supper club, the place where she met her husband, Carl Herman Leo Borman.

On September 15, 1951, she married Carl at Zion Lutheran Church, town of Easton. Verna and Carl took over the Kluenders' dairy farm and started a small construction company. Verna worked in all aspects of the farm, from milking to shocking oats, and was bookkeeper and secretary for the company. At the same time, she took care of the house, sold eggs, maintained a very large and productive flower and vegetable garden, cooked and baked like a pro, and raised three children, Cynthia June, Sandra Kay, and David Carl. With Grandma and Grandpa Kluender and Great Uncle Bill Stolze, they all made a big extended family. Unfortunately, Carl died February 19, 1982 after celebrating 30 years of marriage to Verna. It was a devastating time, but Verna rose to the occasion and discovered she could be far more independent than she had previously thought. She developed many new talents, including learning to drive and buying her own car. Always a compassionate and hard working woman, Verna took very good care of her mother until Emma died in 1992.

Verna was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Town of Easton, where she was a member of the Ladies Aid, the Martha Circle, and the Fellowship Group over the years. She loved being in quilting and helped to send many quilts to the needy. Verna was always on hand to help at funerals and church dinners. She valued all the friendships she made with fellow congregants and neighbors.

Verna enjoyed gardening, baking, canning, embroidery, sewing, and writing and receiving letters. She was a member of the Red Pearl Lassies Red Hat Society. In her youth she was part of the Walter League at Zion Church and also had fun with a neighborhood group which put on plays and sang in concerts. A gentle and shy woman, Verna will always be remembered for her warm smiles and compassion.

Survivors include her three children, Cindy (Bob) Thorpe of Town of Easton, Sandy (Paul) Borman Untiet of Stratford, Dave (Lisa) Borman of Ladysmith; five grandchildren, Peter (Melissa) Thorpe, Karl Thorpe, Andrew, Christian and Molly Borman; foreign exchange granddaughters from Germany, Bettina (Klaus) Zeltenhammer and Cornelia (Fabian) Losse; and their children, Verena Zeltenhammer, Johanna and Simon Losse; best friend since childhood, Lorraine Zahrt; dear friends, Viola Untiet, Elsie Thorpe, Len and Loris Becker; and extended family and friends.

Verna often kept a diary in which she recorded the activities of the day and expressed her emotions. On May 8, 2005 she wrote, "Dear Lord, I can't thank you enough for my family. Sandy, Paul, Cindy, Bob, Karl & Peter, Dave & Lisa, Andrew, Christian & Molly are always there for me. When I am worried about things I can call them & they are there. They help me so often in so many ways. My in-laws are wonderful. I couldn't be more blessed, & most of all I thank you for sending me my husband Carl. This was the beginning of life for me. I have so many friends at Bethany Church. The most important to me is that all my family know you."

Funeral services will be 11:30 AM, Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at Bethany Lutheran Church, E19431 Church Rd., Aniwa. Reverend Robert Bleeke will officiate. Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 11 at Helke Funeral Home from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and resuming on Wednesday at 9:30 AM at the church until the time of services. Burial will be in the church cemetery at a later date. You may sign our family guest book at www.helke.com.

Memorials may be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church.

Verna's family gives special thanks to Rev. Robert Bleeke, who visited her often, shared her faith, and always made her smile. To Ann Berry and all of the staff and residents at Marathon Assisted Living the Marathon City, God bless you richly, for your care for Verna was exceptional even through the difficult times. Your dedication and compassion were outstanding, and you treasured her like a fine jewel. We will always hold you in our hearts. Thank you. And finally, thanks to Interim Health Care Hospice who did so much to minister to Verna and to her family during her last days. You are truly God's angels on earth.