Verlie Virginia Blank

Verlie Virginia Blank age 87 a cherished wife, mother and grandmother passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024, at St Williams Living Center in Parkers Prairie under the care of Hospice of Douglas County. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Lind Funeral Home in Alexandria with Deacon Sharon Bridges presiding. The interment will take place at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls.

 The visitation is one hour prior to the service.

Verlie was born to Alfie and Bessie (Home) Anderson on September 24, 1937, in Montevideo. She was baptized at Baxter Church on November 14, 1937. Verlie grew up on a family farm near Montevideo and attended country school. She then attended Montevideo Public School and graduated in 1955. It was in high school that she met the love of her life Daniel J. Blank. They were married at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Montevideo on August 17, 1957. 

Verlie had an unbreakable bond with her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She spent countless hours with them, sharing her love of making lefse and the joy of having fun.

She was a gifted seamstress; Verlie had a remarkable talent for sewing. She created countless garments for her daughters when they were small and transitioned to making aprons in the later years in which she sold at bazaars and tourist shops. Her home was always filled with the comforting aroma of her baking, as she delighted in preparing delicious meals and treats for her family gatherings and special occasions.

Verlie had a love for playing Bridge and had known to be playing in 4-5 bridge clubs. She would read the column in the paper on Bridge, so she always was learning how to be the best. She has many cherished friendships from these bridge clubs. In every aspect of her life, Verlie embodied kindness, joy and love for her family that was evident to all who knew her. She leaves behind numerous happy memories that will be cherished forever.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Katherine Blank; brothers, Jerry Anderson, Truman Anderson, and Orville Anderson; and parents, Alfie and Bessie Anderson. 

Verlie is survived by her husband of 67 years, Dan; children, Julie (Mike) Neumann of Rochester, Jim (Nancy) Blank of Alexandria, and Tom (Patti) Blank of Miltona; seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Zach) Sallee, Andrew (Alex) Neumann, Kyle (Katie) Blank, Chad Blank, Taylor (Callie) Blank, Josh (Carrie) Meyer, and Natasha (Matt) Osterkamp; four great grandchildren, Chloe Sallee, Beau Sallee, Colin Neumann, and Mackenzie Meyer; along with nieces, nephews and relatives.

Verlie will be dearly missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staff of St Williams Living Center and Douglas County Hospice for the wonderful care that Verlie received during her last year of life. 

Urn bearers are her grandchildren.