Veronice C. Durbin, daughter of Henry Fredrick Ranniger and Anna Marguerita (Schmielau) Ranniger, was born May 31, 1928 in Manning, Iowa, and died October 18, 2008, at Regency Health and Rehab in Jefferson, Iowa, at the age of 80 years, 4 months, and 17 days. Veronice's funeral was held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 22, 2008, at Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson, Iowa. Words of comfort were by Pastor Larry Monthei, Bagley United Methodist Church, Hope Parish of Bagley, Iowa. Honorary Casket Bearers were Tracey Bennett, Matthew Durbin, Janell Riepma, Jason Durbin, Bridgett Springer, and Kim Young. Casket Bearers were Willard Hostetler, Jack Anderson, Brent Goughnour, Wayne Taylor, Joe Franey, David Roquet, David Haupert, and Jack Orchard. Pianist was Sheryl Sloan, and the Soloist was Ken Monthei. Hymns included The Old Rugged Cross and Precious Lord, Take My Hand. Interment was in Orange Twp. Cemetery in Guthrie County, Iowa, south of Coon Rapids, Iowa. Everyone was invited to a time of lunch and fellowship at her church, Bagley United Methodist Church, following the service at the cemetery.
Veronice attended rural school near Dedham. She was united in marriage with Lynn Marvin Durbin on August 27, 1947, in Carroll. They were parents of two sons, Donavon and Kevin. Veronice and Lynn lived in Bagley where he operated Durbin Milling and farmed. After operating the business, with Veronice's help with phones, routing and bookwork, Lynn stopped running the Durbin Milling, and continued farming until 1978. Veronice was always with Lynn, working hard and keeping everything in order, including the farm books. Veronice and Lynn moved into Jefferson and decided they needed something to do, so for 16 years, they took care of the Greene County Fairgrounds. Veronice had painted nearly every building, including the inside of the Clover Building. When not working, she enjoyed her family, crafts, flowers, visiting and sharing coffee with friends, Bingo and cards at the VFW, however, her fondest entertainment was going to Tama to the Casino. Veronice and Lynn had traveled the United States and upon retirement in 1987, enjoyed a trip to Hawaii. For the last twenty years, they made an annual trip to Las Vegas. Their family appreciated their sense of concern, but with no meddling. Veronice was a long time member of the Bagley United Methodist Church and the Bagley Garden Club.
She was preceded in death by her parents; 3 brothers: Melvin, Leonard, and Myron Ranniger; 6 sisters: Elvira Gadient, Eldred Popp, Verena Lingle, Wilma Ranniger, Thelma Ranniger, and La June Majerus; and great-grandchild Chloe Riepma.
Veronice is survived by her husband Lynn; two sons, Donavon and wife Carolyn of Linden, Iowa; and Kevin of Jefferson, Iowa; six grandchildren, Jason Durbin and wife Emily; Tracey Bennett and husband Daryle; Matthew Durbin; Bridgett Springer and husband Jeremy; Janell Riepma and husband Eric; and Kim Young; 9 great-grandchildren: Alexis Durbin; Jesse James, Cole Unger, and Kaydee Lynn Bennett; Brooke, Jerod, and Cody Springer; Olivia Riepma; and Kameron Young. Veronice is also survived by many nieces and nephews; sisters and brothers-in-law: Deanna Firebaugh; Jim Durbin; Gary "Pete" Durbin and wife Betty; Carolyn Lanning and husband Dick; Martha Kading and husband Merle; Eleanor "Toots" Olson; Verna Christensen; Ina Mae Gille and husband Rocky and Dale Durbin and wife Helen; other relatives and many friends.
Memorial may be sent to Hastings Funeral Home, Jefferson, Iowa www.hastings@netins.net