Verna Waddell

Verna F. Waddell (nee Fjelde) of Winfield, IL, passed away on Sunday, January 31, 2010, at the age of 86. She was born on October 13, 1923 in Streator, IL to Martin and Anna (nee Johnson) Fjelde of Gardner, IL. Verna was quite a person, born a preemie, who was so small she had to be kept in a dresser drawer near the stove to keep warm. She fought all odds and survived. Verna is a descendant of the original Norwegian pioneers of Illinois. Verna is a graduate of Gardner-South Wilmington High School where she met her lifelong husband Bob. She was a professional secretary her entire life working for the Department of the Navy during WWII, Hornsby's, Grundy County Bank and finally as Senior Secretary for Bell Labs in Murray Hill, NJ and Indian Hill Labs in Naperville, IL. Verna could do anything from music, art, cooking, sewing, gardening and decorating. Her living room was even featured in Better Homes and Garden magazine. Verna was an avid collector who loved garage sales and always found a great deal. Most of all, Verna was always a lady, wonderful wife, great mother and good friend.
She is survived by her two sons Jack Waddell of Annandale, NJ and Jim (fiancAC. Amy Korn) Waddell of Winfield, IL; two grandchildren; Jennifer and Robert Waddell; one sister; Arlene (nee Fjelde) Calvin Frelk of Merrillan, WI; one sister-in-law Margaret Fjelde (nee Dalziel) of Gardner, IL; two nieces; Ginger (John) Ahl and Martha Sue (Dan) Ondrejko; two nephews; Karl and Erik Fjelde; grandnieces; grandnephews; several cousins; many friends of Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson and extra special friends Marilyn and Judi.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Bob Waddell and brother Roy Fjelde.
Verna will lie in state on Saturday, February 6, 2010 from 9:30 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM at United Lutheran Church of Gardner, 309 E. Jefferson St., Gardner, IL, Reverend Royan Rodney officiating. Interment Gardner Prairie Cemetery. Contributions in Verna's memory can be made to United Lutheran Church, 309 E. Jefferson St., Gardner, IL 60424, Gardner Prairie Cemetery or your favorite charity. Arrangements by Norris-Walen-Segert Funeral Home 630-231-0060 or www.norriswalensegertfh.com