Vernese A. Barber

Vernese Barber, 93, of New London, died Monday, September 11, 2023 at Annandale Care Center in Annandale.  Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 15, 2023 at Peace Lutheran Church in New London.  Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 pm. at the Johnson Funeral Home in New London and for one hour prior to the service at church.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in New London.

Vernese Antes Olive Frisell was born on November 21, 1929, on the family farm near Starbuck.  She grew up near Starbuck and attended country grade school in District #36.  After her schooling she worked at the local grocery store, Olson’s Variety Store and JC Penny.  While working at JC Penny’s, she met Tom Schwitalla. On November 14, 1949, Vernie was united in marriage to Thomas Schwitalla at the Glenwood Lutheran Church. This union was blessed with one son, Bruce.  They made their home in New London where she worked as a homemaker and caretaker, caring for many families in need in the area. Tom worked road construction, and Bruce and her traveled with him each summer to construction sites in ND, OH, and MN. Vernie and Tom enjoyed playing cards, dancing, and sharing meals with friends and families. Vernie and Thomas were able to share 29 years of marriage before his death on December 8, 1978. 

On April 3, 1982, Vernie was united in marriage to Duane Barber at Peace Lutheran Church.  They made their home in New London. They enjoyed day trips plus traveling out of state. They always had a pot of coffee ready to visit around the dining room table and share a home-baked treat. She worked at the local bank and gift shop for many years.  Vernie and Duane were able to share 38 years of marriage before his death on January 8, 2021. 

Vernie was a member of Peace Lutheran Church where she served in WELCA and enjoyed learning about the bible from bible study groups.  She enjoyed needle work, sewing, gardening, bird watching, cooking, baking cakes (for weddings, graduations, birthdays, and holidays), and always had coffee ready for those that stopped by the house.

Vernie is survived by her son, Bruce (Jill) Schwitalla; step-children, Michael (Colleen) Barber, Don (Dawn) Barber, Yolanda (Chuck) Johnson and Timothy (Kari) Barber; 6 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren and 26 step-great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents and husbands, Thomas Schwitalla and Duane Barber. 

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