Verena was born March 29, 1913, in Otoe, Nebraska, to Fritz & Anna Hillman. She passed away at the Heartland Christian Village, Neoga, Illonis, at the age of 96 years, 11 months, and 15 days.

Verena married Laurence Paap, on September 7, 1933, at First Lutheran Church, (North Branch), rural Avoca, Nebraska, and to this union they had one son Ron. Verena graduated from Otoe High School, in 1930 and was the Valedictorian. She was an Active Member of the Otoe Eastern Star and became Matron in 1956 and later was Matron on the Syracuse Chapter of Eastern Star, 1968. Charter member of the Otoe School's Alumni Association as well as one of the charter members of the Crisis-Cross Extension Club in which she served as an office holder from 1936-1996. She was an active supporter and worker for the Nebraska Republican Part, taught Vacation Bible School, she was recognized with the "Homemaking" award from the Great Omaha Chamber of Commerce, "GoodNeighbor Citation" form the knights of AK-SAR-Ben (1982) and "Leadership" Plaque from Otoe Centenial Celebration (1982). She enjoyed having company and preparing meals, her speciality was homemade pies and her "Sticky" cinnamon rolls.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, March 20th, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. at the Fusselman Wymore Funeral Home Chapel, 644 Park Street, Syracuse, Nebraska, with burial at the Otoe Cemetery, Otoe, Nebraska. Family suggest Memorials to a Charity of your choice or St. John's Lutheran Church, Otoe, Nebraska.

Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. on Friday, March 19, 2010 with family greeting friends from 6:30 until 7:30 at the funeral home. The Casket will be open one hour before services.