"I attended Bethany UM Church with Vesta. Her smile and positive attitude brought joy and good friendships to many at Bethany. We miss her and pray God's blessings on the church service tomorrow and His peace to her family. Love that you have encouraged folks to wear purple :) "
In loving memory of
Vesta Ann Case
July 22, 1940 - February 7, 2020
Vesta Case was born on July 22, 1940 in Volga, South Dakota to Harry James and Frances Catherine (George) Case of Oldham, SD. She grew up on the family farm helping her mother with household chores and occasionally gathering eggs from the chickens. Vesta loved the small-town farm life and very much enjoyed being involved with the Oldham community.
Vesta went off to college at General Beadle State Teachers College in Madison, SD and graduated with a BS in education in 1960. Her first teaching job was teaching 3rd grade in Worthington, MN. Vesta then moved west and taught in Gaston, OR for a few years before coming back to the Midwest and landing in Rochester, MN where she taught for 26 years before retiring in 1997. Her love of students is what kept her coming back year after year!
Vesta's other love was the Minnesota Vikings. She was a season ticket holder for 26 years with the Vikings. Many great memories traveling to the twin cities and cheering on her team! Being a Vikings fan for that many years made her "tough as nails" as there were a few heart-breaks that are inherent to being a long-term Vikings fan!
Vesta enjoyed the simple things in life - family, friends, a good football game, chatting over a good meal in Oldham with the local folks and church. She will be dearly missed by many as she touched so many lives in the short time that we are given on this Earth.
Vesta's hobbies included beautiful counted-cross stitch patterns and reading. She also enjoyed following the ups and downs of the political landscape. She says that this contributed greatly to her hair turning gray! You could usually find her TV on ESPN, a Vikings game, or Fox News.
Vesta is one of 4 children born to Harry and Frances. She had 1 sister and 2 brothers. Marlene May Case (deceased - 1996) and Jack Elmer Case (deceased - 2001) and Hadleigh James Case (Glennys) of Pierre, SD. Vesta also has 2 nieces and 2 nephews Laurel Case of Philadelphia, PA; Sandra Klatt (Kevin) of Brandon, SD; Randy Case (Jean) of Mesa, AZ; and Steve Case (Penni) of Spearfish, SD.
If you are planning on attending the service please note that Vesta was not a huge fan of the color black (too close to Steelers and Raiders colors!). This is a celebration of Vesta's life. If you have anything Purple to wear, please do so as she will be smiling down at us knowing that we all knew where her true passion resided...with her beloved Vikings!
A Celebration of life service will be held 10:30 AM Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at Evangel United Methodist Church, 2645 N. Broadway, Rochester, MN 55906. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to Rochester American Cancer Society, American Legion Auxiliary, Oldham Museum, or Oldham Cemetery Association.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Case family; to leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"I work at a dental office in Rochester and Vesta was our patient. I saw her regularly for years and she was one of my favorites. It hurt my heart to turn the page of the paper and see her picture. I so enjoyed our conversations about the Vikings and NFL football. We overlooked the fact that she liked Tom Brady and I was more of a Peyton Manning fan. She would make me laugh talking about some of those rude Packer fans near her seats at the Vikings game. I don?t think she would mind me sharing that she thought Jack Del Rio was a bit of a looker. She enjoyed bus trips to the Vikings game with her good friend thought Zim should spend more time focusing on the offense and throwing downfield. Vesta often talked about her home state of South Dakota and nieces and nephews. She was a joy to be around and i will truly miss her and her spirit. Kris Korngable "
"Memories are funny. I never met Vesta but as I read the obituary notices in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader today, Vesta's name jumped off the page. My mother, Winifred Ling, taught 3rd (and later 5th) grade with Vesta in Worthington, MN back in the 60s and 70s and I often heard her talk about Vesta this or Vesta that. Mom thought the world of her. Who knows: maybe they will reconnect again up in Heaven to continue their long-ago friendship. Blessings to Vesta's loved ones. Margaret Ling Geertsema"
"My sympathy to Vesta's family. I knew her from General Beadle College days and enjoyed her friendship. Myrna Anderson Dillon, Lake Forest, California"
"Vesta was a wonderful Lady. I used to live next door to her and my son Corey would go over to visit her all the time They formed a bond that lasted forever. Even after we moved away we would go back and visit her a couple of times a year. Later on they would see each other on the bus going to a Viking's game. Vesta you will be missed by all. Mary House"
"Vesta was a wonderful elementary school teacher. School conferences always included a conversation between Vesta and my husband talking MINNESOTA VIKINGS. RIP dear lady. "