Vernelle A. Kabliska

Wednesday, June 29, 2016 1:51 pm

Vernelle A. Kabliska, 88, of Cresco, passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2016, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wis. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Friday, July 1, at Cresco United Methodist Church in Cresco, with Pastor Kayla Lange officiating. Burial is in Oaklawn Cemetery Cresco. Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home 404 North Elm Street, Cresco, is assisting the family.

Vernelle A. Ellingson was born Feb. 2, 1928, daughter of Johnny and Blanche (Chase) Ellingson in Decorah. She was a 1946 graduate from Decorah High School. After high school Vernelle taught country school near Decorah for four years, was an administrative assistant for A & J Agency in Decorah, and General Motors Ins. in Fargo, N.D., Minneapolis, Minn. and Kansas City, Mo. Vernelle married Oscar S. Larsen March 18, 1955, in Moorhead, Minn. He was killed in a car accident Dec. 12, 1956. Vernelle furthered her education by attending UNI from 1957-1961 and graduated with a BA degree. She taught fourth grade for one year in Cresco, and subbed for five years in California. Vernelle married Ray Kabliska Oct. 21, 1961, in Decorah; to this union their son, Matt was born. They lived in California for five years until moving back to Cresco. Together Vernelle and Ray wintered in Arizona and enjoyed traveling to many destinations. Vernelle cherished her first cousin Arlene’s companionship and wonderful home cooking, especially after her husband Ray passed away. She was very active in her church, 20th Century Club, Hospital Auxiliary and TOPS.

Surviving Vernelle is her son, Matt (Deanna) Kabliska of La Crosse, Wis.; grandchildren, Grace and John Kabliska; step-granddaughter, Nicole Meier; three nieces: Valois Mandsager, Diane Grimsted and Roxann Stein; special cousin, Arlene Brickley; many cousins; and great-nieces and -nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Oscar Larsen, and Ray Kabliska on March 25, 2005; and her brother, Darwin (Ruth) Ellingson.
In memory of Vernelle memorials may be given to SNAP, HSNEI, Howard County Hospice, and Cresco United Methodist Church.