"So sorry for your loss and all the suffering she had to endure. We only knew her for a short time but in that short time we were so impressed with her gentle nature, beautiful smile and the special grace she had. You could see the gift she had passed on to her loved ones , her talent , her loving ways, her faith, her gentle ways, and her beautiful smile is in each and everyone. The first thing she said to me was Thank You ... no Thank You Verna for you in that short time without knowing you have shown me the grace that you have in your gentle loving manner I will never forget you , you were like the Hummingbird at the window sharing your beauty and grace and gentle way, without even trying just being you. When I got the news of your passing I was watching two Hummingbirds at the window now when ever I see a Hummingbird I will for sure think of you. Your will always be missed but never be forgotton. Welcome to paradise! "
In loving memory of
Verna Kollberg Kuehling
August 19, 2011
Verna Kollberg Kuehling went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 19th, 2011. Her 3-month journey was a courageous one after suffering a severe stroke in late May. Verna was blessed with having her daughter, Mary, and her son, Paul at her side throughout much of the past 3 months, and they were both at her side at her passing. Verna's courage and never-ending positive, smiling attitude were evident and on display to the very end.
Verna was born in Black River Falls, Wisconsin to Nettie (Berg) and Carl Carlson. In 1949 she married Paul Gustaf Kollberg in Milwaukee. They resided in Oak Park and then Lombard, IL before the couple and their 3 young children moved to Madison in 1963. After her husband's sudden death in 1967, Verna bravely raised her young family on her own while working for 15 years as a secretary at Midvale Community Lutheran Church. Her ability to tirelessly provide for her children, and lead them with wisdom and grace has always been something her children have marveled at.
In 1983, Verna married Warren Kuehling and they had 13 wonderful years together. His devotion and love for her was ever present until his death in 1996.
Verna was a woman of exceptional musical talent, and her beautiful music at the piano blessed her family and many others throughout her life. Gifted with words, she wrote countless poems for friends and family as her sensitive spirit and marvelous sense of humor shone through. Verna was known for her servant's heart. Nothing seemed more important to her than doing things for others, as evident in her favorite daily morning prayer: "Show me, dear Lord, how to be a blessing to someone today".
Verna wanted to share the following:
"It has been a wonderful life - with many joys, a few sorrows, two loving and devoted husbands, 3 remarkable, loving children (for starters!) - the list goes on and on. My blessings have never stopped, and I thank God for that. I am grateful to you, my dear children and your families for adding so much to my treasured memories. I so loved being a mother, grandmother ("Bestemore") and a great grandmother."
Verna's mother and father, sisters Gladys and Bernice, brother-in-laws Henry Kleven, James Trebilcock and Merrill Owen, husbands Paul and Warren, and her oldest daughter, Alice Sharp, all preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter, Mary (Brent) Adamson, her son Paul (Debra) Kollberg, son-in-law John Sharp, grandchildren Micah, Peter, Anna and Josiah Adamson, Jennifer (Joel) Nellis, Ashley (Brandon) Rivas, Ryan Kollberg, Christina (Ben) Berray, Sarah Sharp, Matthew (Erin) Sharp, and 8 precious great-grandchildren including the latest born just hours before Verna's passing.
Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10am on Saturday, August 27th at Midvale Community Lutheran Church (4329 Tokay, Blvd., Madison). A memorial service will then be held at 11am, followed by a luncheon at the church.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the wonderful, compassionate staff at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska. Words will never suffice in expressing what a comfort and encouragement you all have been.
Respecting Verna's wishes, in lieu of a memorial fund, in her memory she hopes you will do a random act of kindness for a friend or stranger today.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, and I have kept the faith.
(II Timothy 4, 7-8)
Tributes
"I was so saddened to read of the passing of your Mother. Mrs. Kollberg was like a second/third Mom to me, next to my own, and Emmy Goers. What a great neighborhood we lived in. We had such fun, all of us. It was at your house, I learned to like scrambled eggs and soap operas, just to name a couple. Dearest Mary and Paulie (as we loved to call you), your Mom was the greatest! I am so blessed to carry with me all our wonderful memories of us. Your Mom treated me like I was her third daughter, always making me feel so special. I will forever smile at those wonderful, blessed memories! She will be missed by many! All my love to you, Mary and Paul and all the rest of the family. We all have our memories engrained in us forever and ever!"
"When we were kids, there was always activity at the Kollberg home on Anthony Lane. Whether it was church kid gatherings, pick-up basketball games, or Paul and I playing almost daily games of wiffle ball in their, back yard. Verna was always cheerful despite all the noise, balls banging off her house and roof and Paul and I permanently wearing away the grass from all our ball games. Mrs. K. genuinely seemed to enjoy the comings and goings. Never heard a bad word and she was seemingly always in a good mood. She was a great Mother -- the best. And she was a woman of great faith which was the foundation of all she was as a person. It is an honor to have known her."