Mary Joan Verken

Mary Joan (Mann) Verken, 88, of Belvidere, IL passed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the home of her daughter, Kim, and son-in-law, Mark Zierke.  All three of her daughters were able to be at her side throughout her last days. 

Mary was born to the late William and Mabel (Raddatz) Mann on January 19, 1936 in Winona, MN. As a young child Mary was a true daddy’s girl. Her father encouraged her to dream big! So, she left her childhood home, despite a touch of homesickness, to pursue nurses training at St. Barnabus College in Minneapolis, MN. This training prepared her well for a future career of work at St. Luke’s in Milwaukee, a calling to a Chicago hospital and then St. Joseph’s hospital, and finally for Dr. Dommers, of Belvidere.  She lovingly was the “neighborhood nurse”, with friends calling when there was some advice needed.  Most all of the 9th St. girls have pierced ears today because of Mary’s needle and ice cube in the 1960’s!

In addition to her career, Mary was proud of the family she and her late husband, Carrol, created together. Mary and Carrol met on a blind date and hit it off – they married on June 7, 1958 in Winona. As newlyweds they moved to Milwaukee, Chicago, and Sparta, before settling in Belvidere, for Carrol’s job at Chrysler. Here in Belvidere, they found their growing family a forever home on 9th street. By now they had four children, Bill, twins Kim and Kate, and their youngest Betsy. Mary’s friendship with her neighbors, camping adventures, and time crafting brought her joy throughout her lifetime. However, Mary’s life was not without tragedy. Her son, Bill’s unexpected death at the age of 19 greatly impacted her. She found comfort in writing journals, letters and later emails.

Mary was a volunteer with the women’s organization at Zion Lutheran Church, which was her spiritual home for many years.  Time away at the cabin in Door County was a dream come true and she enjoyed sharing their little slice of heaven with family and friends.  Mary also treasured time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.    

Mary is survived by her daughters Kim (Mark) Zierke, Kate (Brent) Holloway, and Betsy (Dale) Albright, eight grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren, as well as her niece Christy (Bruce) Steinhagen and nephew, David (Ellen) Voelker. Mary was preceded in death by her son William “Bill” Verken; her parents, William and Mabel Mann; her sister, Betty (Alfred) Voelker; and husband, Carrol Verken.

Mary was loved by many and her life will be celebrated on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church in Belvidere, IL at 2pm. A visitation will begin at 12:30 until the time of service. The interment will be private. Memorials can be made to Zion Lutheran Church in Mary’s name.