Verda Mavis Bliese

It is with joyful hearts we announce that our dear mother, Verda M. Bliese, 92, was called to her heavenly home on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

Born on September 1, 1932 to the late Kenneth and Elta (Trieble) Worden, Verda was grounded in her Christian faith through an early education at Zion Lutheran School that carried through her whole life. She graduated from Wausau Senior High School and her earliest job was with Wausau Insurance. She married Dennis Bliese on a beautiful but snowy day - May 10, 1952. Together they raised six children and partnered, not only in life's journey, but in business as dairy farmers, bus owners/drivers, and laundromat operators. She was also a poll worker for the Town of Wausau for many years and ironically passed away on Election day 2024.

Verda's greatest joy was her family. Many happy memories are now being shared that include large family gatherings at her home for the holidays, spirited games of cards, times spent at the family cottage on Flannery Lake, building snowmen or making snow angels with her grandchildren, and of course "Grandma's cookie jar" which was always full of her home baked cookies, her delicious apple bars and the tradition of making (and eating) Christmas candy together. She is survived by her four sons, Jim (Karen), Terry (Julie), Neil, and Randy (Angie) Bliese; two daughters Jean (Brian) Cleveland and Sue (Mark) Nelson; 16 grandchildren Tricia (Jeff) Oonk, Benjamin (Tracy) Bliese; Michelle (Troy) Armstrong, Mandy Berndt; Ryan (Dayna Hoffman), Sara, and Amie (Jake Seefeld) Bliese; Darek (Lindsey) and Aaron (Lili) Huckbody; Danielle (Damon) Cronce, Becky (Joe) Hallum, Katrina (Jeremy) Krenz; and Justin Bliese, Brandon and Zach Fraser; as well as 15 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters Patricia Mallon, Mary Coleman, and Sandy (John) Townshend, two sisters-in-law Delores (the late Ray) Bliese and Phyllis (the late Ralph) Bliese, a brother-in-law Fred Fenhaus, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will live on in all those who were touched by her love.

She is preceded in death by her husband Dennis, parents Kenneth and Elta Worden, three sisters Louann Fenhaus, Sally Fenhaus, Rita Didrickson, an infant brother Dean Worden, grandson Adam Bliese, as well as many brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Verda lived an active life keeping up her home, working in her yard and gardens, bowling, playing Sheepshead and Canasta with her friends, knitting prayer shawls as an Aspirus volunteer (we believe it has to be well over 100), and taking long walks until dementia took over her mind and body several years ago. Even in the midst of her medical challenges she remained positive and lit up a room and charmed her caretakers with her infectious smile and quick wit.

A private family service and burial will be held on Thursday, November 14.

Friends, family, neighbors, and others dear to Verda and her family are invited to gather for a service of joy officiated by Rev. Stephen Gjerde, celebrating her new life in Christ at Zion Lutheran Church, 616 Grant Street, Wausau, on Friday, November 15, at 11 a.m. Visitation to greet the family will be held at the church prior to service from 10 to 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Zion Lutheran Church.

"Well done, good and faithful servant...enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Matthew 25:23