VELDA JERKE

Funeral services for Velda Charlotte Jerke, 91, of Wagner were held Thursday, May 2 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wagner. Burial will be in the ZCBJ Cemetery, rural Wagner. Peters Funeral Home of Wagner was in charge of arrangements.

Velda Charlotte Jerke, age 91, passed away peacefully at Lake Andes Senior Living April 29, 2024. She was born September 21, 1932 in Delmont, to John and Salme (Uttecht) Peters. Velda was the sixth of seven children. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

Velda attended rural Wagner school. In her teen years, she worked as domestic help for various families in the area.

She married the love of her life, Clifford Jerke September 23, 1953 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wagner. Shortly after, they moved to Stratford, WI and worked on a dairy farm. Here a son Terry was born. After a few years, they moved to Minnesota and then South Dakota.

In April of 1960, they returned to Wisconsin and purchased the farm they had previously worked on. They worked together for over 41 years. Upon retiring, they returned to Wagner to be close to family.

Velda was steadfast in her faith in Christ. She taught Sunday and Vacation Bible School. She was an active member of the Ladies Aide Society. Her hobbies included different crafts and was an avid bowler. She enjoyed traveling with Clifford to various parts of the country to Air Force reunions. Velda was also a member of the local Little Rose Homemakers for many years.

Velda is survived by son Terry (Bridget) of Gillette, many relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Clifford in 2013, parents, sisters: Irene Gramkow, Alice Goehring, and Cora Nelson; and brothers: Elmer, Willie, and Leonard.