Frances K. Vernia

October 9, 1920 - May 16, 2002

Click here to view/print Funeral Folder    Frances Kathryn Kennedy, the daughter of Daniel and Rosa (Zubradt) Kennedy, was born October 9, 1920, in Truesdale, IA. She attended country school and graduated from Truesdale High School in 1936, as class Valedictorian. She was united in marriage to Darnell “Ike” Vernia, on July 4, 1942, in Storm Lake IA.    After Ike’s discharge from the Army Air Corps, the couple moved to Britt and Pocahontas where he apprenticed in dry cleaning before moving to West Bend in 1950. The couple owned and operated the West Bend Dry Cleaners where Frances did alterations and worked with her husband until his death in 1974.    Later, Frances worked as a cook for the Sts. Peter and Paul lunch program and the Grotto Restaurant for several years, serving as manager for one year. Since 1982, she has worked every day with her daughter, Marlene, baking for Marlene’s Cakes.    Survivors include her children: Patricia (Jim) Klemm of St .Benedict, IA, Dennis Vernia of Potomac Falls, VA, Jeannette Vernia of Scottsdale, AZ, and Marlene (Rich) Banwart of West Bend, IA, six grandchildren; Mary Harris, Kari Leach, Shawn Klemm, Jennifer Banwart, Chad Vernia, and Chris Vernia, two great-grandchildren; Meagan Frances and Isabella Francis, two brothers; Joe (Elaine) Kennedy and John (Dorothy) Kennedy, sister: Veronica. Frances was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Darnell, a sister, Marie and brother, Pat.