Verna L. Kissner

Verna Laura Walker Kissner was born in the family home in the Iona, Idaho area. She was the 12th child of a family of 14. Her father was James Henry Walker and her mother was Laura Lovina Palmer, originally born and raised in Utah. Verna grew up with horses and wagons and buggies as the means of transportation and never knew about electric lights or telephones or running water in the house. When she was less than 2 years old she contracted polio which left her with a shorter and crooked leg. However, she ran and played with her classmates at school and her siblings at home, never letting it be a deterrent. Verna married Joseph Kissner on September 30, 1933. Four children were born from that union, Kenneth Ray (wife Elaine Jensen), Carol Ann (deceased as a child), Gary Joe (wife Linda North) and Kristine (husband Jay Kunze). They farmed in the New Sweden area west of Idaho Falls for 35 years. She always had a large vegetable garden, strawberries and flowers every place they lived. She was a very talented seamstress who sewed garments for many of her friends and family. She loved to do hand work, such as crocheting, knitting and crafts. Never being idle, she made three meals a day for her hard working husband and family. She also belonged to the Farmers Wives Club which was organized in 1934. In 1968 they retired from the farm life and moved to Idaho Falls on Rose Avenue in the first house they actually owned. Joe worked at McClaskey Ford as a “set-up” man for the machinery that was purchased for several years. They continued their friendship with many of the now retired farmers of the area, socializing by playing cards, mostly bridge and pinochle. When the family would gather they also loved to play cards and in the summer we would play croquet on the lawns of each of her siblings. She had 8 grandchildren (Allen, Ann (Lleras), Anthony, Andrew, Julie (DeHerrera), and Jon Kissner, and Scott and Todd (deceased) McKinlay), 21 great grandchildren and 8 great, great grandchildren at her passing. A celebration was given in her honor on her 100th birthday in Pocatello, at the Highland 6th Ward, where many family and friends came. Another party was held at the Gables in Pocatello on her 101th birthday. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 2, at 11:00 am in the Highland LDS 6th Ward, 2925 Michelle St., Pocatello. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm Friday evening in the Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello, 232-0542, and from 10:00-10:45 am Saturday in the church. Interment will be in the New Sweden Cemetery, Idaho Falls. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cornelisonfh.com

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