Verniece June Wesely
Shortly after graduation, she moved to Chicago with her older sister’s family, and with special permission due to her young age, began working on the Railroad Retirement Board. During WWII she supported the war effort by going to the USO Club and dancing to Big Band music with soldiers, all while maintaining correspondence with her soldier fella, Robert Rogers Wesely. She and Bob married May 23, 1947. They made their home in Wisconsin for a few years. They mourned the loss of their newborn 1st child, Catherine in 1949 but joyfully welcomed daughter Patti Sue in 1952. The small family moved to California in 1953 where Verniece worked the overnight shift at Hughes Aircraft. Two more children joined the family while in California, Steven Craig (1954) and Terri Lynn (1956). Bob and Verniece lived in California with their children for 8 years but in 1961 decided to move back to Wisconsin. Shortly after moving back, their family was completed with their daughter, Lori Jean, born in 1961. While living in Wisconsin Rapids Bob and his father’s lives were abruptly and violently taken from them. Distraught and grieving terribly, Verniece moved with her children back to California to try to escape the terrible memories. Once there she realized she was lonesome for the love and support of her extended family so she returned to Wisconsin. In 1964 she married Kenneth Walslager, but the marriage ended in divorce.
While raising her children Verniece worked as a bookkeeper and stenographer for businesses including Adams Electric Co-op, Adams County Social Services and Adams County Unified Board. In fact, she worked for over 45 years.
After retirement in 1989 she filled her time babysitting grandchildren, going to polka dances, visiting and helping friends and relatives and traveling. She often drove many people, including her sisters, to doctor appointments. Her love of travel took her to 43 states including Alaska and Hawaii. She traveled to 12 countries across Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Verniece was a woman who lived her life to the fullest. Even into her 90’s she lived independently. Her favorite past-time was dancing, whether it was polkas or doing the jitterbug with her niece, Donna Pease. Many people complimented her on her appearance as she was always smartly dressed. She had a great sense of humor and loved talking with just about anyone. She also enjoyed taking walks alone or with others. Even as she started slowing down she would often visit with other residents to lift their spirits.
Verniece was preceded in death by her parents, Lincoln and Lula Strand, daughter, Cathy, her husband, Bob, her in-laws, Frank and Matilda Wesely, her sisters Vernell (Frankie) Weber, Wilma (Henry) Henriksen, Willetta (Raymond) Tolley, Dorothy (Donnie) Olsen, brother-in-laws, Ken Wesely and Frank Wesely, special niece, Connie Olsen, and great granddaughter, Evelyn Nyirongo.
She is survived by daughter Patti (Gary) Buttner of Adams, Steven (Jane) Wesely of Pittsville, Terri (Ron) Hoerth of Wisconsin Rapids, and Lori (Gary) Thompson of Adams, and grandchildren Shawn and Carrie O’Dell, Brian and Jamie O’Dell, Aubrey Wesely, Mindy and Brandon Price, Christopher and Jenn Wesely, Olivia and Jon Chasteen, Bradley and Kat Wesely, Stephanie Hoerth(special friend, Todd Gass), Chelsea (Daliso) Nyirongo, Alex Thompson (special friend Mindy Schmidt), Autumn (Jon) Colvis, Step grandchildren Melissa Dagnon, Venessa Vaness, Adam Buttner (special friend Kirsty Volkey), 20 great-grandchildren and 4 step great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, special niece Donna Pease and life-long friend Norma Riese.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Rosebrook and Heartland Hospice for the compassionate care of Verniece and Roseberry’s Funeral Home and Crematory for final arrangements. As per Verniece’s wishes there will be no funeral but a celebration of life will be held the afternoon of June 27, 2026 at the VFW in Adams.
a life well lived & lived. heartbreaking for family, friends & those who loved & cared.hugs to all. memories remain.
It was an honor to be her caregiver. Verniece was such a sweet..yet spunky woman. I will cherish the time I had with her and always remember her love of dancing
My sincere condolences to Verniece’s family. I feel honored and blessed to have cared for her during my employment at her Assisted Living facility. I moved away and feel bad that I didn’t make it back to visit. She was one of the sweetest, smartest, and greatest dancers. I will always cherish the sweet notes and cards she made me. She had such a great memory always told me about many happy moments and memories in her life. Rest easy Verniece and Dance in the heavenly sky. Love, Lisa
Patti, Steve, Terri, Lori,
Nothing but great memories growing up as family friends. Our moms were like twins in looks. It was fun hearing our moms talk about the different mix ups they’d experience. Well your mom is at peace and I’m sure she’s cutting up the Heavenly floor with dancing shoes on!
May She 🙏🏻 RIP🙏🏻
My sincere condolences to all the families and friends.
Always a lovely lady with a smile, quick wit and willing to help anyone she could Godspeed
Sorry for your loss. She was a sweet lady and fabulous dancer.
So very sorry on your loss
So sorry for your family’s loss. Always enjoyed visiting with your mom whenever we would meet up.
Always enjoyed visiting w/Verniece, especially at Dances. She learned how to do the “hop” polka and looked exceedingly good at it.
Verniece was a great friend when we worked together at the Unified Board.
Blessings to everyone who met Verniece, Rejoice in her memory.
No words. I’m just so very sorry for your family’s loss. Sending much love and hugs as well as prayers.
So sorry to hear of your moms passing.
Patti and family…so sorry to hear of your loss. Fond memories of living down the road from her in my teenage years. Hugs Patti.
Lori and family, so sorry to hear about your mom. She always treated me like one of you guys. I’ll miss the polka’s we use to do together. Luckily she tought you how, so we can keep her memory alive.
Verniece always brought a smile to my face and a spark to the lives around her. She will be missed by all she has touched.
Patti and family, so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was one special lady. Hugs and prayers
Vernice was always a pleasure to visit with, whether that be years and years ago or just recently!
Our love to the family
Larry and Becky
It was a pleasure knowing you were love and miss you
Deepest sympathy to all
Patti & Family, so sorry for your loss.
I will miss you and your dancing now dancing in the sky iam happy I got to meet you old caregiver mindy r.i.p
Verniece was a wonderful woman. It was a pleasure assisting her over the years, and sharing laughs with you all. Gone but never forgotten. Thinking of you all in this difficult time.
It was nice taking care of here, she will be missed
Lori and family, so sorry to hear that Verniece has passed. We worked together at Social Services and what fun times we had. She will be missed.
So sorry for your family’s loss…
So very sorry for your family’s loss