Verna Mae Sigfred

Resided in Ensign, MI
Died April 21, 2018

Verna Mae Sigfred, age 88, formerly of Ensign, passed away Saturday evening, April 21, 2018, at Christian Park Village, in Escanaba.

Verna was born on April 29, 1929, in Escanaba, the daughter of Fred and Melina (Caron) Roberts. She was raised in Flat Rock and attended both the Flat Rock and Escanaba Schools.

Verna was united in marriage to Donald Rasmusson and together the couple had two children before Donald’s untimely passing early in their marriage. On July 27, 1955, Verna joined Bert Sigfred in marriage, and together the couple made their home and raised their family in Ensign. Bert preceded Verna in death.

Verna learned to value others from the family and community she was raised in, while developing a strong faith and a deep relationship with God that would serve her all of her life. As the oldest girl in her family she set the example for her younger siblings. During her younger years, she was often found visiting with her neighbors and friends.
Verna became a wonderful mother, a devoted wife and a person who selflessly gave to assist others in need.
She had a deep compassion for those who were less fortunate or struggling with life issues. Through the actions of her life, she emulated the teachings of Jesus. Her life’s journey was a testament to all that knew her. If you needed a friend or wanted to share a burden – you could count on Verna being there for you. Verna as a member of Community of Christ served her church family in many capacities and loved all people.

She also found time to be involved in many civic activities. Verna belonged to the Rapid River American Legion Post #301 Auxiliary. She held teaching and leadership roles in the Ensign 4-H Club. She also participated in the MSU Extension Town and Country Women’s Group in Ensign. She was instrumental in starting the Rapid River Sports Boosters program and volunteered many hours at the Rapid River Schools. In 1983 she was honored by being selected as Grand Marshal in the Rapid River Memorial Day Parade

Survivors include:
Sons: Michael (Susan) Rasmusson of Mounds View, MN
Andy (Lynn) Sigfred of Lexington, MN
Bill (Kathy) Sigfred of Waukesha, WI
Daughters: Donna Ritchie of Wells, MI
Cindy (Bob) Meier of Angleton, TX
Susie Berg of Gladstone, MI
Sisters: Betty Bergeon of Escanaba, MI
Theresa (Ken) Swanson of Escanaba, MI
Rosemary (Mike) Glowdowski of Milwaukee, WI
Sisters in law: Kerstin Sigfred of Gladstone, MI
Eleanor Siitar of Stonington, MI
Alice Roberts of Flat Rock, MI
Also surviving are 19 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to her parents, Fred and Melina, and her 2 infant siblings, Verna was preceded in death by:
Husbands: Donald Rasmusson and Bert Sigfred
Brothers: Fred, Clinton and Bernard Roberts
Granddaughter: Robin Berg

Family will receive friends on Wednesday April 25, 2018, from 12:00PM to 3:30PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services, to celebrate the life of Verna Mae Sigfred, will follow visiting hours on Wednesday, at 3:30PM, and will be conducted by Verna’s loving children. Luncheon will follow services at the Rapid River American Legion. Verna will be laid to rest in the Rapid River Cemetery. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.

14 Tributes for “Verna Mae Sigfred

    So sorry to hear that you have lost your Mom, she was a great person to everyone that she came in connect with. She will be missed. Hugs to the family.

    So sorry for your loss. She’s in heaven now with my mom and all her dear friends. So hard to lose a parent especially your one and only parent left. Sending prayers.

    The loss of a mom is always difficult and sad. Someone once described ” a mom as a rose bush she is beautiful, gentle and loving but every once in a while she jumps up and grabs us with a thorn and usually we deserve it” I have many great memories of your mom!! She was a dear friend and will be missed by all of you and us, as well! Prayers of love comfort and peace for all!

    Verna, my very dear friend of 55 years, I will miss you terribly. You always had a smile and a hello for every one and you were number one in line to help where ever needed. You were by my side in good times and sad time. You were the first to welcome me to Ensign in 1963 and always included me in activities where I met the locals of Ensign and became one of them. I will always pray for you and hold you in a special place in my heart. Your smile will shine forever in the lives of so many people you befriended. Thank you for being my friend, Verna. Be With God! love you……

    Who didn’t love Verna? She was always first in line when help was needed.She was especially kind to our parents over the years.I’m not able to attend the service as I’m out of town.But my thoughts will be with you all and I’ll talk to you soon.

    Verna, some of my best childhood memories were at your house with you and your family. I will always remember how kind and patient you were with us kids…loved…loved…loved your cooking and baking. As a child I was always amazed at your huge garden. You will always have a special place in my heart….rest in peace…

    Verna was a great friend to my mother. I remember how they often laughed together over crazy things.
    She was a fixture in my childhood and was always a wonderful person.

    Verna was a great neighbor. I will always have such fond memories of her, from her leadership in 4-H, to organizing hay rides, to just being such a good friend to all of us who grew up in Ensign. If one of our jobs in this life is to make this world a better place, then Verna was an immense success. We will all miss her.

    Well now Verna and my mom can sit down and play skip-bo with Bert and my dad. Bert and Bill better be on their toes or Verna will set them straight. I miss Verna already.

    She was such a sweet person, and a wonderful sense of humor. I haven’t know her very long , but I thank God for the time I did. When I come back in town to visit Mrs Donna I will miss seeing her. May her soul Rest In Peace. Sorry we couldn’t come and you are in our prayers. Love Marcia and Umar kanu and family

    In the 1970’s, the Sigfreds adopted me as one of their own. [I already had two sets of wonderful grandparents.] Verna was the matriarch. She was always caring, compassionate, warm & cuddly, and you were the center of attention whenever you talked to her.

    Many Uno games. Her “to die-for” blueberry torte was heavenly. I remember eating the wildiest-tasting potatoes grown on the family farm. I remember how cold the bathroom was in the winter. I recall diving into the murky waters of the cow watering hole as the cousins served as audience.

    In April 1990, I was almost killed when three fratboys side-swiped my friend’s Mazda 787 off of I-75. Bert & Verna + Uncle Bob & Aunt Cindy along with the kids came to Baylor Hospital in Dallas.

    That surprise visit brought cheer and joy to an otherwise traumatic event. It rejuvinated my soul.

    Verna and my mom, Margaret (Bussineau) Casey, were four days apart and were cousins. Today would have been my mom’s birthday. I have many fond memories of visiting Verna as a child and how much fun I had at her house in Ensign. As I grew older, I had many nice visits with Verna. She was a joy to be around and was always smiling. She was very close to my mom who always spoke very highly of Verna. The last time I saw her was at Christian Park Village while visiting my Aunt Marcy Casey, also Verna’s cousin. We had a very nice visit. Verna was such a special person and she will be missed. My condolences to her family.

    My Aunt Verna was the most sincerely decent and compassionate person I ever met. Always had a smile. She and Burt had a great relationship. We can all learn from them.

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