Verla J. Thompson

Verla Jean Thompson was born on August 2, 1929 to Harold and Ethel (Tolzin) Breyfogle in Ida County. She was raised in Holstein, the oldest of 13 children. When she was 17 years old she assisted with the delivery of her youngest sibling. She was baptized at the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Holstein. Verla graduated from Holstein High School in 1948. After graduation she married Donald Kistenmacher. While in the Air Force he became ill and passed away in California.

After Donald’s death, Verla returned to Holstein and worked for Doc Martin. She enjoyed working in the medical field and went to nursing school to become an RN. She met and married George Thompson from Fergus Falls, MN in 1957 and they lived there until 1963. To this union three children were born.

The family moved to Sioux City and she worked at St. Luke’s Hospital until her retirement. She worked as the head nurse of orthopedics for many years. She was member of Morningside Lutheran Church of Sioux City where she was very active. She was the den leader for her son’s Boy Scout Troop when he was a child.

Verla was a great mother and role model; she had a strong work ethic. She was deeply devoted to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; a brother; three brothers-in-law; a nephew and a grandchild.

Verla was survived by her children, Valerie (Paul) Naab of Cherokee, IA, Steve Thompson (Molly) of Sioux City, IA, Peggy (Wade) Ridenour of Sioux City, IA; ten grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; five sisters and their spouses; six brothers and their spouses; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.