Verna Wilma Neuhaus

VERNA BULLER NEUHAUS The sun was certainly shining in Benson, Nebraska on September 25, 1922 when Verna was born to Henry and Nancy Buller. Her teen-aged siblings, Ruby and Herb, were delighted with the addition of this beautiful baby girl to their family. Verna often recounted how much she adored her older sister and brother, who never tired of doting on and spoiling her. As a young girl Verna was always up early to feed the chickens, which was her favorite among the many chores to be done on a farm at that time. She attended the local Benson schools and graduated from Benson High School in 1939 at the precocious age of 16. During her high school years Verna was both studious and well-liked, and her election as Queen of Douglas County was an honor and privilege of which she was very proud. Her five grandchildren loved hearing Grandma remember these special times, and never tired of poring through those photographs in her albums! Although Verna first met Art when she was a freshman and he a senior, he “was dating another senior, and of course never looked at me,” and they lost contact for over four years until they both attended the same dance in Bennington in November of 1940. In her journal Verna writes: “Guess what—he asked me for a dance and took me home.” Their budding romance was interrupted by WWII, as Art was drafted in February of 1941 and did not return until October of 1945, during which time Verna worked at the Douglas County Courthouse and lent many hours to the Red Cross war effort. However, like so many war-time couples, the courtship was kept alive by their faithful correspondence, and Verna married the love of her life in June of 1946. Dancing to the Big Bands at Peony Park with Art and other young newlyweds was a much anticipated reward after the long war years, and those special evenings were vividly brought to life to her young grandchildren when she visited the park with them 40 plus years later. After a brief stay in Bennington, Art and Verna moved to the farm in 1948, and there she spent many happy years until her move to Camden Street in 2004. Verna and Art were blessed with three sons, Neal, Russell, and Lowell. Verna’s years as a young mother were also kept busy by the typical farm chores and by visits to her extended family. Active in the Zion Ladies Circle until the time of her death, Verna touched many lives. Verna’s greatest joy was her family. She was an amazing mother and grandmother, and was fiercely proud and supportive of her sons and her precious grandchildren, Laura, Matt, Eric, Sam, and Kelly. The Neuhaus family was blessed to have spent many special holidays on the farm at 156th and Fort Streets. Verna always said that her greatest thrill was to have all five of the grandchildren in her presence at the same time, and she was happily surrounded by their love just three weeks ago at Easter. Although she had been seriously ill for a considerable period of time, Verna’s indomitable spirit rose to the occasion, and she graciously provided her beloved family with happy and tender memories. Verna passed away at 85 years young on April 15, 2008 at the Montclair Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was preceded in death by her parents Nancy and Henry Buller, her beloved husband and favorite dance partner Art Neuhaus, her dear sister Ruby Peterson, and her adored older brother Herb Buller. Surviving to cherish her memory are her sons Neal of Beatrice, Russell and wife Cecilia of Austin, and Lowell and wife Jeanne of Omaha. Her loving and kind spirit will continue to live and give guidance to her beloved grandchildren Laura of San Francisco, Matt of Omaha, Eric of Houston, Sam of Omaha, and Kelly of Omaha. Also surviving her are niece Joyce Jacobsen, and nephews Lee and Larry Peterson, and Bill and John Buller who were all very special to her. Verna leaves a multitude of wonderful, loyal and loving friends too numerous to mention in this brief space. Special thanks to Terry Simanek. Mom, we are comforted by the knowledge that you are now at peace and with the Lord, and reunited with those who have journeyed before you. We love you. “And lo, I am with you always.” --Matthew 12:28