Verna Birkett
Verna I. Birkett, 94, Greenwood, passed away at her home unexpectedly on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025. A memorial service to celebrate Verna’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Greenwood, with Rev. Elizabeth Bier officiating. Following services, she will be laid to rest in the Greenwood City Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service. There will be a celebration of Verna’s life after the church luncheon, at the Greenwood American Legion, from 1-5 p.m. to share memories, look at pictures, and visit with one another.
Verna Irma Zarnke was born at home in the township of Eau Pleine, Marathon County, on Nov. 17, 1930, to William O. and Esther M. (Schnabel) Zarnke. She attended Wescott School in rural Eau Pleine, and in 1948 graduated from Unity High School in Unity. Verna was united in marriage to Wayne G. Birkett on May 27, 1950, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in March Rapids. The couple resided in Loyal while Wayne worked at the Pauly Cheese Plant until August 1952. Then they moved to Marathon, where Wayne managed the Pauly Cheese Plant for 16 years. This is where they also welcomed two children, Darla Jean and Ricky Wayne. In 1968, they moved to Greenwood, where Wayne managed Greenwood Milk Products Co-op, which later merged with Land O’Lakes. Verna and Wayne had the amazing opportunity to travel with Allen and Nell Wuethrich to Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, and the Fiji Islands, to observe new/modern automated cheesemaking and butter production. She began working at Greenwood Milk Products Co-op as a lab technician in the fall of 1974, and continued after the merger with Land O’ Lakes. She retired from Land O’Lakes in 1993. In retirement, they enjoyed traveling and spent nine years as “snowbirds” in Lake Havasu, Ariz. Wayne passed away two months before they would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Verna was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church her entire time in Greenwood, as well as being a member of the Ladies Aid.
She had many interests, but especially loved spending time with her family and friends. She loved cooking and baking for her family, including six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She loved to bake and made the best pies, bars, and cookies. At Christmas, she didn’t just make two or three types of cookies and candies; she usually made about 12 different kinds. Verna was known for her “famous” potato salad, which was frequently requested for many family gatherings. She enjoyed playing sheepshead, Pinochle, putting puzzles together, and going to the casino with Wayne.
She will be dearly missed by her daughter, Darla (Scott) Abel of Greenwood; six grandchildren: Brian (Tara) Abel, Steven Abel, Eric Abel, Paul Abel, Brittan (Joe) Buettner, and Elyse Birkett; five great-grandchildren: Kai Abel, Kase Abel, Roman Buettner, Noelle Buettner, and Naomi Buettner; one brother, William “Billy” (Peggy) Zarnke Jr., of Montevideo, Minn.; one sister-in-law, Blanche Bollert of Kirkland, Wash., along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Verna was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; her son, Ricky; one granddaughter, Sara Jessica Abel; one sister, Ila Mae Strathmann; two brothers: Clarence and Dennis Zarnke; her parents; brothers-in-law: Jerry Bollert, Willis (Milly) Birkett, and Donald (Nancy) Birkett; and two sisters-in-law: Wilma Knapton and Esther Birkett.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. Cuddie Funeral Home of Greenwood is assisting Verna’s family with arrangements.
PAID OBITUARY 174186
