Vera A. Enquist

Maj. Vera A. Enquist, USA

September 30, 1909 - May 23, 2014

Vera will be remembered for her vitality, radiant smile, warm personality, and love of her family, friends and country. She loved to try something new and see something different.

As the third child of Oscar and Elna Enquist, she was born September 30, 1909 in a sod house on the family farm in Holdrege, Nebraska. After graduating from high school, she went on to nursing school and became a surgical nurse in 1932. At that time all nurses had to register with the Red Cross. In 1941 she was called into the U.S Army Nurse Corp as a 2nd Lieutenant. She spent 19 years in the Army and retired as a Major. Over the years she received many awards and achievements. The one she most cherished was the Press-Telegram Amazing Women 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Vera loved being active. She traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and 81 countries, cultivating new friendship along the way. Her favorite thing was to spend her birthday on a trip to a new destination. She loved to bowl and play a round of golf when she was younger. With her curious mind, she liked a good game of Scrabble, crossword puzzle, reading, seeing if she could beat contestants on Jeopardy and going to or watching the Angels, Dodgers and Ducks. She was an active member of the Officers' Wives' Club and Friends (Long Beach), Viking Lodge #256, Vasa Order of America San Pedro, Travel Club Tours (Orange), and Weingart Senior Center (Lakewood). In 1973 she became the first woman to become president of the local chapter of the Military Officers Association of America.

Vera is survived by her nephews Clifford Enquist (Pam) and Rick Housel; nieces Susan Housel and Bonnie Olson (Nick): 7 great-nieces/nephews and 10 great-great-nieces/nephews. She enjoyed going to lunch with her two great-nieces Heather Christensen and Elicia Richmond (Brian).

Vera suggested remembrances go to Officers' Wives' Club Scholarships for active military children. Make checks to: Officers' Wives' Club, on the Memo line: Scholarship, Vera Enquist. Send to: Officers' Wives' Club, c/o Donna Chafe, 1700 Coral Place, Seal Beach, CA 90740-5712. According with her wishes, she will be cremated with burial at sea. Her immediate family will accompany the ashes as they are placed off Long Beach, CA. At her request no service will be held. The family would like to thank Evergreen Hospice Care and their staff for their compassion and care of our aunt. Please sign the guestbook at www.presstelegram.com/obits.