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Valeria Varna Bridges

1912 - 2003

Valeria Varna Bridges, a life long resident of the Klemme area, died on Thursday, October 16, 2003, at the Concord Care Center in Garner. She was 91. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 21, at the Klemme United Methodist Church in Klemme. The Rev. Paddy Druhl officiated. Music was provided by Madelyn Priebe, who accompanied soloist, Bev Thorson and congregational hymns. Randy Ridder and John Schwichtenberg ushered. Casket bearers were Rocky Dippel, Todd Whitman, Andrew Lien, Lyndal Olson, Kevin Gardner and Shane Bridges.

Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme. The Tenold-Andrews Funeral Home of Klemme was in charge of the arrangements. The family suggests memorials to the Klemme United Methodist Church or to the donor's choice.

Valeria V. Koerner, was born on September 6, 1912 in Klemme, the daughter of Albert and Lillian (Lau) Koerner. She attended and graduated from the Klemme High School. She was a life long homemaker, wife, and devoted mother.

Valeria was united in marriage to Glen "Sport" Bridges on April 12, 1935. The couple were blessed with seven children. Throughout her life, Valeria was dedicated to caring for her family. She cherished activities involving her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, gardening and canning. Valeria enjoyed camping and traveling. She went on numerous trips to Hawaii. She was active in the United Methodist Church, UMCW, and various other activities at the Klemme United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her daughters, Sharon Gardner and husband, Dick of Lakeview, Arkansas, Berleen Olson and husband, Paul of Webster City, Vicki Murken and husband, Mel of Ankeny, Nyla Bridges and husband, Mike Lien of Holmen, Wisconsin; sons, Gaylon Bridges and wife, Ann of Annapolis, Maryland, Collyn Bridges and wife, Renee of Decorah and Royce Bridges of Avery California; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Glen "Sport" Bridges on September 3, 1969; two sisters; and two brothers.

source: Garner Leader & Signal, 22 October 2003

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