Vernell Esch

Vernell Esch, 68, of Strawberry Point joined Christ Sunday, February 20, 2011, when she died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family after a brave battle with cancer. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 23 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Strawberry Point, with Rev. James Adix and Rev. Al Hock officiating. Friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, February 22 at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Strawberry Point and one hour before services at the church Wednesday. Interment will be in Cass Township Cemetery, Strawberry Point.
Vernell was born Vernell Mary Herman February 22, 1942 to Elmer and Mary (Grotegut) Herman. She was the youngest of four children and was raised on a farm in rural Waukon. She was confirmed at Zalmona Presbyterian Church in Waukon.
Vernell attended a small country school and in 1959 graduated from Waukon High School. She moved to Cedar Rapids, where she worked as a secretary at Prudential Insurance Company. It was in Cedar Rapids that she met Jan Esch, and they were married July 23, 1961 at Zalmona. Jan and Vernell have spent nearly 50 years living and farming north of Strawberry Point, where they raised beef cattle.
Vernell was a wonderful, loving mother and grandmother to her five children and 16 grandchildren. She loved her family and her home, spending time gardening, cooking and canning, quilting, fishing, hunting mushrooms and reading. One of her special talents was her ability to find a four-leaf clover for every special family event. Spending time with Jan out on the farm defined her life, as did her strong passion for her beloved grandchildren. She was greatly anticipating the birth of her 17th grandchild to Kim and Chad in early April.
Vernell had a strong Christian faith and was an active, long-time member of Emanuel Lutheran Church and most recently of Mission in Christ in Strawberry Point, participating in Bible study and serving through the church women’s organization.
Survivors include her husband, Jan Esch of Strawberry Point; their five children, Carrie (John) Martin of Olympia, WA, Kristi (Peter) McGreal of Elkader, Kellie (Cory) Grabenbauer of North Liberty, Dr. Kevin (Staci) Esch of Ames, and Kim (Chad) Blackwell of North Liberty; 16 grandchildren, Peter, Chris, Benjamin and Lisha Martin, Jacob, Tim, Joe, Maria, Sam and Dan McGreal, Ilsa, Ayla and Elias Grabenbauer, Gabriella and Eva Esch, and Isaac Blackwell; one brother, Nyles (Ruby) Herman of Waukon; one sister, Marian (Hanley) Jenkins of West Des Moines; a brother-in-law, Harold Wessels of Strawberry Point; dear family friends, Greg and Joan Mohr of Spirit Lake; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Vernell was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Mary Herman; her brother and sister-in-law, Ruben and Helen Herman; and a sister-in-law, Beverly Wessels.
Casketbearers were Jacob McGreal, Tim McGreal, Joe McGreal, Alan Wessels, Gary Wessels and David Wessels. Memorials may be directed to the Strawberry Point Public Library or the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.