Verna Faye Thum, age 88, of Wessington Springs, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at the Weskota Manor with her loving family present. Please join the family for a celebration of life this summer.
Verna was born on May 25, 1936, to Eanor and Esther (Farrington) Krog. She grew up on a farm west of Gann Valley, SD with her 11 siblings. Verna’s mother passed away when she and her twin sister Velma were three years old. Although life in those days was hard, Verna always spoke of the good times.
While in high school, Verna met the love of her life, Gary Thum. They both graduated in 1954 and were united in marriage on November 7, 1956. Four children were born into this union. Tim (Marilyn) Thum River Falls, WI; Tami Koskovich, Wessington Springs; Johna (Kris Pederson) Thum, Brandon; Kyle (Deb) Thum, Hermosa.
Over the years, Verna worked at many jobs, including Dodd’s Food Store, Bob’s Jack & Jill, Home Health and the Senior Nutrition Center. She was most proud of earning her teaching certificate and then teaching country school and becoming an entrepreneur with the Silver Spur Café. Verna enjoyed cooking and was good at it. If you ever ate at the café, we bet you still miss her caramel rolls, potato salad, and knoephla soup.
When Verna’s children were in their late teens and young adults, the house on the corner of Main St. was a second home to many of Springs’ misfits and kids. Verna was like a second mother to them, providing good food, generosity, and a place of refuge. She was always curious about others and she made you feel welcome.
Verna inherited her love for playing cards from her father. The sisterhood of the card club was shared by many of Verna’s friends over the years. They laughed hard, swore often, and loved one another dearly.
As the years melted away, Verna began to lose her eyesight. The house on Main St. grew into the place for family, friends, former and now older misfits to stop in to have a beer, share stories of the day, and reminisce about times past. Twila Whitehead, Richard Yost, and her daughter Tami shared many hours with Verna during these happy hours. When she could no longer see well enough to manage her home, Gary cared for her with a beautiful and loving gentleness. It was a 68-year love affair.
When you enter Verna’s home, there is a sign that says “A Wild, Wacky, Wonderful Woman Lives Here.” Although she physically no longer resides there, she will forever live in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know and love her.
Verna is survived by her husband Gary, four children, 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and 5 step-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her son-in-law Bill Koskovich, her parents, 6 brothers, and 5 sisters.
Arrangements are with Basham Funeral Service.
