Velma Waefler
October 18, 1926 - October 16, 2017
Obituary
OREGON-Velma Alberta (Reuter) Waefler, age 90, of Oregon, Wis., passed away on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017, after a short battle with cancer. Born on Oct. 18, 1926, to parents Elizabeth Rose and William Reuter, her early years were confusing for a child and she was raised by her grandparents, Elizabeth and Fred Schindler. On Valentine’s Day 1944, she married Walter Waefler in New Glarus. They were a good match for each other with Walt’s easy going demeanor providing a balance to her strong personality. Always hard working, they farmed for 13 years until they moved to Oregon in 1957, and established Walter Waefler Builders. This was a true family business and Velma often helped with finish work on the worksites of the sturdy, affordable homes they built. She and Walt enjoyed playing cards, camping with the Jolly Jaycos, square dancing and travelling with special trips to Switzerland where they connected with their heritage. In the late 1960’s, Velma established a ceramic business which was a good outlet for her artistic creativity. That business evolved into VW Dolls. She was awarded many blue ribbons for her beautiful porcelain dolls and she taught this craft to many in the area. Velma loved speaking her mind, the feeling of the sun, a beautiful garden, the color pink and a well-kept home. She was a member of the People’s United Methodist Church of Oregon and also enjoyed time at the Oregon Senior Center. Velma is survived by four children, Linda (Don) Tapp, Larry (Sue) Waefler, Diane (Richard) Steffensen and Debbie Robson (Brad Behnke); ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; half-siblings, Norman Rose, Mabel Hollenberger, Peggy Burton and Marcella Burback; along with her loyal friend and caregiver, Karen Baker; and many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two half-brothers, Richard and Arnold Rose; and a son-in-law, John Robson. Thank you to Agrace HospiceCare for providing care delivered with dignity and to the many friends who stopped by to offer their support in the past couple weeks. Always one to get the last word, it was Velma’s desire to celebrate her life through a private family gathering to be planned at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Peoples United Methodist Church in Oregon or the Oregon Senior Center.
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Memories
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Diane Christoph
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I met Velma at the Senior Center in an exercise class. I was impressed by her interest in this class and when the time was needed, I started giving her rides to class. During this time I got to know Velma so much better and learned about her love for flowers, her ceramic dolls and getting out. She was a strong woman and while it took me a bit to understand her, I came to really like her quirks and all! She always was sharing snacks with me like popcorn, chocolate zucchini bread and cookies. I will miss her. After all it was just 2 weeks ago that I picked her up for class. Goodbye Velma...
LS
Lori Stamm
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I learned so much from Velma. It started with ceramic class. I still have some of the things I made , even one of my garden frogs. I did a lot of sewing for her over the years, for her, her daighters and her dolls. I also made several dolls under her watchful eye. They had to be just so, especially the eyes! Thank you so much for lessons well learned. It was my pleasure to call you friend.
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Gram Merica
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Velma taught me well with ceramics...i think that is what started my hobby of painting and beind so meticulas...she was a grand lady....
Patti (Wertz) Gasper
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Ruby Reuter
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Charles and Ruby Reuter from Verona, Velma was Chuck's half sister. Our sympathies
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Sue Capelle
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The Waefler family was part of what made Oregon my home town. I went to ch;urch and school with Velma's 4 kids. Walter built my parents home which came to be the home I live in now. I remember Walter's quiet demeanor in a group and Velma's laugh when they would attend social events at church or in the community. When I moved back to Oregon as an adult, I was fortunate to buy one of Velma's hand painted plates. It has sunflowers painted on it. It is beautiful! I have it on display in my house every August and September. I would joke with her about how someday she would be famous and I would be able to say that I had an orginal Velma Waefler painting in my home. It always made her smile. You will be missed by many in our Community Velma. I will miss you too. You were part of the fabric that makes Oregon a good place to be.
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Tami & Richard Hassett
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Sending our sincerest condolences to you and your family Deb. God bless. 🙏
Tami (Behnke) & Richard Hassett