Verna was born on July 24, 1930, to Elmer and Cora (Fosaaen) Anfinson. She graduated from West Union High School and began her working years with her first job at a local bank.
On June 9, 1949, Verna was united in marriage to Kenneth Skinner at Stavanger Lutheran Church in Ossian, Iowa. Together, they raised three children and built a life centered around family, hard work, and faith.
Verna was a hardworking farm wife who farmed side by side with Kenny for many years. She was an active and essential part of the family farming operation, sharing in the daily work and responsibilities of farm life. Verna milked cows, drove tractor, cared for the livestock, and worked alongside Kenny to keep the farm running. Farming was truly a partnership for Verna and Kenny, and her strong work ethic was evident in everything she did.
Verna also dedicated 35 years of service to Ossian Senior Hospice, including 30 years as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Her caring nature and commitment to helping others touched the lives of many throughout the years.
In her free time, Verna enjoyed dancing, sewing, listening to country music, gardening, and cooking. Verna also enjoyed spending the winters in Arizona with her friend, Don Egeland. She was a faithful servant of the Lord and a lifelong member of Stavanger Lutheran Church. Above all, Verna treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends. The love she shared with those around her was one of her greatest joys and will remain a lasting part of her legacy.
Verna was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Skinner, on November 4, 1992; her parents, Elmer and Cora Anfinson; and her sisters, Esther Nelson and Alvina Olson. Verna’s special friend, Don Egeland, passed away one day following her death.
Those left to cherish Verna’s memory include her children, Cathy (Don Williams) Skinner of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Gary (Karen) Skinner of West Union, Iowa, and Sue (Dave) Ondrashek of Fort Atkinson, Iowa; her grandchildren, Melissa (Chad) Hoover, Brandon (Danielle) Skinner, Matt (Mandy) Skinner, Christa (Dennis) Taylor-Hall, Brian (Nicole) Ondrashek, Lori (Desmond) Denton, and Mark (Andrea) Ondrashek; 29 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and her sister, Dolores Jacobsen of West Union, Iowa.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Stavanger Lutheran Church in Ossian, Iowa, with Rev. Daryl Schultz officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Interment will follow at Stavanger Lutheran Cemetery in rural Ossian, Iowa.
Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian, Iowa, is assisting the family with arrangements.