Verona Caroline Friese

Verona Caroline Friese, age 89, of Zumbrota, died Thursday October 1, 2009 at Pine Haven Care Center, Pine Island.
Verona Caroline Banitt was born February 28, 1920 in Zumbrota Township to Peter H. and Minnie (nee Luetke) Banitt. She attended country school and started Zumbrota High School. At the age of 14 she left school in order to care for her father and 4 siblings after the death of her mother. Verona took a job as a housekeeper for numerous families in the Zumbrota area. In 1936, she was introduced to Sylvester "Sonny" Friese through friends. They were married November 17, 1939 at Christ Lutheran Church. She and Sonny farmed, and she also worked for Zumbrota Nursing Home and was a cook at the Zumbrota School. Verona enjoyed gardening, dancing with Sonny, reading, traveling, and fishing. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Verona is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Sonny; 2 daughters, Pauline (Paul) Jagusch of Red Wing and Linda (Vernon) Vangsness of Osakis; 6 grandchildren, Dan Jagusch of New Hope, David Jagusch of Rochester, Dustin (Jill) Jagusch of Centuria, WI, Loralie (Bruce) Ellingson of Rochester, Linette (Brad) Forsell of Osakis, and Jim (Vicki) Vangsness of Clear Lake, WI; 7 great grandchildren; sister, Maryann (Gerald) Burfeind of Lake City; brother, Lloyd (Evelyn) Banitt of Zumbrota; and many nieces nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Clarice Flotterud; and brother, Leon Banitt.

[i]The family would like to give a special thanks to Goodhue County Public Health.[/i]