Vernise Antes Olive Frissell was born on November 21, 1929 on the family farm near Starbuck. She grew up near Starbuck and attended elementary school in District 36. After her studies, she worked at the local grocery store, Olson’s Variety Store, and JC Penny. While working at JC Penny’s, she met Tom Shwetala. On November 14, 1949, Vernie married Thomas Shwetala at 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 nanny, caring for many needy families in the area. Tom worked as a road builder, and Bruce and her would travel with him every summer to construction sites in ND, OH, and MN. Vernie and Tom enjoyed playing cards, dancing, and sharing meals with friends and families. Fernie and Thomas managed to share 29 years of marriage before his death on December 8, 1978.
On April 3, 1982, Vernie married Duane Barber at Peace Lutheran Church. They made their home in New London. They enjoyed day trips as well as out-of-state travel. They always had a pot of coffee ready to go around the dining room table and share homemade treats. She worked at the local bank and gift shop for many years. Fernie 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 WELCA and enjoyed learning about the Bible from Bible study groups. She enjoyed needlework, sewing, gardening, bird watching, cooking, baking cakes (for weddings, graduations, birthdays, and holidays), and was always making coffee for those who stopped by the house.
Vernie is survived by her son, Bruce (Gail) Shwetala; stepchildren, Michael (Colleen) Barber, Don (Dawn) Barber, Yolanda (Chuck) Johnson and Timothy (Carrie) Barber; 6 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and 26 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Thomas Shwetala and Duane Barber.
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(tags to translate) Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home