Obituary of Veronica Cecilia McKernan

Vera went to be with our Lord on Sunday, July 20th, 2008. Vera was born September 27th, 1916 to Christopher and Anna Sturm in Del Rapids, SD. She was one of nine brothers and sisters. Vera married the love of her life, Donald McKernan, April 16th, 1942. Their first years were spent in the US Air Corps during WWII. In December 1944 they started a family when their first son, Michael, was born while stationed in Texas. After the end of WWII they were done with the military life and moved to Big Stone, SD, where their second son James was born on April 17th, 1947. Later to follow was their third son Gregory, born in Clear Lake, SD in November 1952, and at last a sister, LeeAnn, born in 1954 (who died from a tragic birth defect later that month. Vera never stopped mourning the death of her daughter.) Don, Vera and the three boys later moved to Sisseton, SD, where they lived and raised their family until 1966, when they moved to Tacoma to be closer to family. After Vera's family was raised and gone she opened an in-home daycare where she spent her days doing what she loved, caring for children. She had a special place in her heart for children, and they loved her. After Don's passing in 1977, Vera moved in with her sister Olivia, whom she cared for and looked after for many years until Olivia went to be with the Lord in 1998. She then moved into her own apartment for the next six years and eventually moved in with her son Jim and his wife Bonnie. Vera was a devoted Christian woman who was very involved in her church. She enjoyed crocheting, fishing, and playing Bingo and cards with her sister Olivia, whom she cherished dearly. Vera is survived by her brother Jerry Sturm of Anaconda, MT, her three sons, Mike of Murdo, SD, Jim and his wife Bonnie of Puyallup, WA, and Greg and his wife Donna of Tacoma, WA, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Services will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Tacoma on July 28th, 2008. Rosary will be held at 10:30, Mass at 11:00 with a reception to follow.