Esch, Vernell

Vernell Esch, 68, of Strawberry Point, joined Christ on Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011, when she died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, after a brave battle with cancer. Funeral services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Strawberry Point, with the Rev. James Adix and the Rev. Al Hock officiating. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Strawberry Point and one hour before services Wednesday at the church. Interment: Cass Township Cemetery, Strawberry Point.

Vernell was born Vernell Mary Herman on Feb. 22, 1942, to Elmer and Mary (Grotegut) Herman. She was the youngest of four children and was raised on a farm in rural Waukon, Iowa. She was confirmed at Zalmona Presbyterian Church in Waukon.

Vernell attended a small country school and in 1959, graduated from Waukon High School. She moved to Cedar Rapids, where she worked as a secretary at Prudential Insurance Co. It was in Cedar Rapids that she met Jan Esch. They were married July 23, 1961, at Zalmona. Jan and Vernell have spent nearly 50 years living and farming north of Strawberry Point, where they raised beef cattle.

Vernell was a wonderful, loving mother and grandmother to her five children and 16 grandchildren. She loved her family and her home, spending time gardening, cooking and canning, quilting, fishing, hunting mushrooms and reading. One of her special talents was her ability to find a four-leaf clover for every special family event.

Spending time with Jan out on the farm defined her life, as did her strong passion for her beloved grandchildren. She was greatly anticipating the birth of her 17th grandchild to Kim and Chad in early April.

Vernell had a strong Christian faith and was an active, longtime member of Emanuel Lutheran Church and most recently of Mission in Christ in Strawberry Point, participating in Bible study and serving through the church women's organization.

Survivors include her husband, Jan Esch of Strawberry Point; their five children, Carrie (John) Martin of Olympia, Wash., Kristi (Peter) McGreal of Elkader, Kellie (Cory) Grabenbauer of North Liberty, Dr. Kevin (Staci) Esch of Ames and Kim (Chad) Blackwell of North Liberty; 16 grandchildren, Peter, Chris, Benjamin and Lisha Martin, Jacob, Tim, Joe, Maria, Sam and Dan McGreal, Ilsa, Ayla and Elias Grabenbauer, Gabriella and Eva Esch and Isaac Blackwell; one brother, Nyles (Ruby) Herman of Waukon; one sister, Marian (Hanley) Jenkins of West Des Moines; a brother-in-law, Harold Wessels of Strawberry Point; dear family friends, Greg and Joan Mohr of Spirit Lake; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Vernell was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Mary Herman; her brother and sister-in-law, Ruben and Helen Herman; and a sister-in-law, Beverly Wessels.

Memorials may be directed to the Strawberry Point Public Library or the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home.

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