Verida was widely known for her seamstress abilities, especially her wedding dresses and other wedding gowns. She quilted and made quilt tops. She was a loyal and active member of Trinity United Church of Christ. She bowled on Monday and Thursday evening leagues for many years. Verida and LeRoy were frequently seen on many dance floors in the area.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, LeRoy G. Franke, whom she married on August 8, 1942, and who died on April 26, 2010; her parents, Arthur and Clara, nee Wagner, Mehrmann; a sister, Lillian; a brother, Walter (Virginia) Mehrmann; and brothers-in-law, Orville Koerber and Wilbur Franke.
Surviving are a son, Dennis W. (Tamey) Franke of New Baden, IL;
a daughter, Brenda B. (Robert “Bob”) DeCamp of Smithton, IL;
two grandsons, Michael J. Franke of New Baden, IL, and Keith A. (Tammy) Franke of Trenton, IL;
two great-grandchildren, Brandon and Rebecca Franke of Trenton, IL;
a brother, Merlin (Gladys) Mehrmann;
two sisters-in-law, Leona Franke and Marie Koerber,
nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins;
and special friends, Lee and Linda Franks.
The Franke family would like to thank the staff of St. Paul Home for their loving care and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made Trinity United Church of Christ or to St. Paul’s Senior Community, Belleville, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 24, 2018, at Trinity United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 24, 2018, at Trinity United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL, with Pastor Cory Hartz officiating.
Burial will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.