Verna May (Ard) Badberg

Verna May Badberg, daughter of Henry and Rebecca (Crow) Ard was born on February 21, 1936 in Mulberry, Kansas.  She was the oldest of six children.  Having lost her own mother at age 19, she became a surrogate mother to her siblings.

On July 4, 1952, Verna was married to Kenneth M. Geier, Sr. at Miami, Oklahoma.  To this union four children were born:  Kenneth Jr., Marion Kay, Terry Eugene and Howard.  The couple were later divorced.  On December 5, 1962, Verna was married to Clifford "Dean" Badberg in Miami, Oklahoma.  The couple moved to Nebraska to be closer to Dean's family in 1964.  They made their home at the present address until the home burned down, then lived in a house where the State Bank of Table Rock now sits, moving back to their property on 9th and Lincoln where Verna resided until her death.         

Verna was a fantastic cook.  She learned to make wonderful meals for her family, even when money was tight, which was most of the time.  Dean liked to hunt so fresh rabbits, quail and pheasants were plentiful in the Badberg household.  Since her children were not overly fond of fresh game, she would cook what was on hand and then make a wonderful dessert. At her house, if you did not finish your main course, no dessert was going on your plate.  Memories of sitting at the table for "quite a spell" are remembered fondly.  No special meals were provided for her children, you ate what was put in front of you or went hungry.  Verna also loved to crochet.  Many family members and friends have either an afghan or a doily made by her.  A new baby in the family was sure to receive a new afghan by grandma and then great grandma.  

When Dean and Verna moved to Humboldt, she worked at various restaurants around town.  They once owned the Northside Cafe along with Lamert and Emma Lee DeJonge.  Dean and Verna bought out the DeJonge's and ran the cafe for another 4 years.  That work was hard on them so the decision was made to sell the cafe and find other work.  Verna worked in various places around town as a cook.  When Ed and Nadine Stutheit owned The Camp, she worked many nights cooking there.  She also worked at Jack and Jill Grocery when it was owned by Steve and Patti Gittiinger, Jerry and Barb Brannen and Rick and Donna Dettman.  Verna worked at the grocery store for 25 years.  After that, she cooked at the Legion Club for a time.  She was always able to find a job as she was a hard worker.  After her retirement, Verna enjoyed her time at home with her little companions.  There were several dogs over the years to keep her company, the last one being Missy.  Verna also enjoyed a day at the casino once in awhile.  Not very often as it "cost too much" to spend what she had worked hard to earn.  Money was always tight, growing up and afterwards, so she was ever mindful of every penny.

Verna passed away at her home in Humboldt, Nebraska on Thursday, January 16, 2019 at the age of 83 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dean, sons, Kenneth, Terry and Howard Geier, sister, Shirley Neal, brother Mearl Ard and grandson Jason Geier.

Verna is survived by her daughter Kay Leech and husband Van of Humboldt, sisters Mabel Scott of Frontenac, KS and Velma Swento of Blanchard, OK, brother Daniel Ard and wife Martha of Girard, KS, grandchildren, Dickie Blecha, Jeremy Leech and wife Laura, Zach Leech and wife Nichole, Kylei Kenny and husband Gary, Teri Geier, Jackie Geier, Mary Delia and husband Mike and Anna Geier, 13 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Carol Sue Bright, Pat Badberg and Doris Badberg, many nieces and nephews and a few close friends.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2020 at the Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Howard Blecha officiating. 

A register book will be available to sign from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2020, at The Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt. 

Inurnment will be in the Humboldt Cemetery, Humboldt, Nebraska.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Humboldt Rescue Squad.  

Condolences can be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com.

Services are entrusted to Wherry Mortuary- 207 N. Nemaha Street- Humboldt, Nebraska 68376 (402) 862-2915

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