In Memory of Velma Rosa Burkey

Velma Rosa Burkey, 88, of Sparta, Wisconsin, passed away Thursday, August 19, 2010, at the Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta.

Velma was born November 6, 1921, to Fredrick Christian and Clara Christina (Friedrichsen) Wiese in Manning, Iowa. After graduation from Audubon High School, she attended Normal School, where she was trained to become a teacher. Velma taught in a one-room schoolhouse until 1957 (including Lincoln Township in Audubon County). During the war years, Velma worked for Western Union in Chicago. Velma later worked at the Victory Cafe, The Dinner Bell, and the Audubon Produce in Audubon, Iowa. After moving to Wisconsin, she worked for the Factory Outlet in Marshfield and finished her working career as a Bookkeeping Supervisor for M&I Bank in Marshfield.

On January 14, 1946, Velma was married to Glenn Christensen Burkey in Omaha, Nebraska. In February 1965, they purchased a farm in York Township, Granton. In 1997, Glenn and Velma sold their farm and moved to Marshfield, Wisconsin. Following Glenn's death in 2002, Velma remained in Marshfield until 2005, at which time she moved to the Morrow Memorial Home in Sparta, to be closer to her daughter Barbara.

Velma enjoyed crossword puzzles, word games, reading, gardening, crafts, card playing and being with others. She was a wonder at multi-tasking.

Velma is survived by her daughters, Barbara (Richard) Givler of Cataract, and Linda (Roger) Stoflet of Port Deposit, Maryland; 4 grandchildren, Shannon Glenn Givler, Trevor Lee (Maren) Stoflet, Michael Roger Stoflet and Robert Glenn Stoflet; 2 great-grandchildren, Landon Matthew and Lauren Marie Stoflet; sisters and brothers, Harold (Joan) Wiese of Portland, Oregon, Leroy Wiese of The Dalles, Oregon, Wilfred (Iris) Wiese of Guthrie Center, Iowa, Lorriene Wolfe of Omaha, Nebraska, Oliviene Larson of Guthrie Center, Iowa, Marjorie (Bill) Eastman of Omaha, Nebraska, Mary Mayberry (and friend Henry) of Apache Junction, Arizona, Luella (Bill) Bostick of Portland, Oregon, Elvera (Roy) Hallibaugh of Sandy, Oregon; along with many other nieces; nephews; cousins; and friends.

Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn, in 2002; her parents; a brother, Wilbur Wiese; and a grandson, Travis Stoflet.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 23, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Granton. The Rev. Douglas Schalow will officiate. Burial will follow in the Windfall Cemetery, Granton, Wisconsin. Family and friends are invited for visitation Monday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials may be given to the National Parkinson Foundation (call 1-800-327-4545 or visit their website at Parkinson.org). Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com

Note: Velma was the granddaughter of Henry and Rosa (Kusel) Friedrichsen.