Vernelda Miehe, 94, of Elkader, passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Mercy One in Elkader. She was born January 17, 1930, in Osterdock, Iowa, to Clarence and Marie (Freitag) Fehlhafer. She attended rural Clayton County School, graduated from Elkader High and attended Elkader Junior College for one year. Vernelda taught four years at Hope School, rural Clayton County.
On February 14, 1953, she married John E. Miehe at St. Joseph’s Church in Elkader. Two children were born to this union.
In addition to being wife and mother, Vernelda worked as a bookkeeper for Elkader Implement and Elkader Diesel and Electric. She cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were a great source of joy in her life, and they cherished her as well. She was a long time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church – her faith was very important to her and she lived her life as a “giver” and never a “taker”. Vernelda also was a member of the Elkader Golf and Country Club. Small joys were drives around town, ice cream after a drive, a good book to read and talking on the phone. Three words that describe her: kind, intelligent and respected.
Survivors include her children, Lynn (Richard) Thompson of Oelwein and David (Darcy) Miehe of Elkader; grandchildren, Reece Thompson, Trisha (Tim) Finley, Richard (Jessica) Miehe, Jesse (Marissa) Thompson; six great-grandchildren, Jillian and Declan Finley, Lucy, Pearl and Sage Miehe, Sawyer Thompson, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Vernelda was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Marie Fehlhafer; husband, John in 2018; brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Vonda Fehlhafer; in laws, Elmer and Marie Miehe; Jim and Mary Jane Miehe, Dan and Sharon Miehe, Pat and Dottie Miehe; niece Carrie Miehe; and nephews, Michael Miehe and Donald Fehlhafer.
Visitation: 9:30AM until 11:00 on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader.
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader with Rev. John Haugen as Celebrant
Inurnment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Elkader
A livestream of the Funeral Mass will be available at www.vibrantcatholic.com/live.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family.