Obituary for Verna L. Smillie

She was born October 16, 1930, in Southridge near Kendall WI to Edwin and Martha (Cook) Witt. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church on Southridge. She graduated from Tomah High School in 1948 and went on to complete her teaching degree at Wisconsin State College at La Crosse where she was certified in elementary education. She had a long and successful teaching career beginning with her first job at Webb School on Southridge where she taught in a one room schoolhouse. She later taught in Kendall, Wilton, Lake Geneva and she finished her career teaching second graders for 24 years for the Melrose-Mindoro school district.

Verna met Bill Smillie while teaching in Wilton. They later married on June 9,1956, on Southridge. They settled in West Salem in 1962 where they raised their children, Dawn and Scott. Verna was a member of Christ Ev. Lutheran Church where she was an active member of the altar guild and ladies aid. In her retirement years, Verna and Bill enjoyed a life of travel with numerous friends. Some of their favorite places to visit were Corpus Christi, Phoenix and Gulf Shores. Verna and the ladies explored the many shopping venues while the gentlemen spent the days golfing. Verna's greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren. She was an expert cook and baker and showed her love by making sure everyone had their favorite homemade foods for every occasion even if we had more food than any family could possibly eat.

Survivors include her daughter, Dawn (Paul) Gullickson of Cedarburg, WI; her son, Scott (Theresa) Smillie of La Crosse, WI; grandchildren, Leah (Bob) Herr of Fulshear, TX, Jenna (Billy) Lease of Germantown, WI, Benjamin (Megan) Smillie of Winona, MN, Alyssa (Taylor) Martell of La Crescent, MN, and Jack Smillie of La Crosse; great-grandchildren, James and Elsie Lease and Liam Martell; and many nieces and nephews.

A Christian Memorial service will be Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 11:00 at Christ Ev. Lutheran Church, 500 Park Street in West Salem. Rev. Don Frelitz will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery following the service. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m., until the time of service, Wednesday, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Christ Ev. Lutheran Church.

Family would like to give their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Springbrook in Onalaska, St Croix Hospice and Dr. Solum. They truly appreciate all of the excellent care that was provided to Verna and the comforting support given to the family, making this difficult time much easier.

Online condolences may be offered at this site.