Verena E. Schutz was born on May 29, 1932 in Otoe, Nebraska to William H. and Emma (Burr) Kempke. She passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Center in Syracuse, Nebraska at the age of 79 years, 9 months and 9 days.

Verena was raised on a farm near Otoe, Nebraska and graduated from the Otoe High School. She later was united in marriage to Fredric A. Schutz on March 27, 1953 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Otoe, Nebraska. Together they raised two sons, Steven and Dennis. Aside from caring for her family, she worked at Miller & Payne in Lincoln, Drove School Bus and worked at Harold's Grocery Store in Syracuse.

She was a very active person and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, sewing, dancing, baking and quilting. She was a member of First Lutheran Church (North Branch) where she was one of the original members of the Evening Star Circle.

She is survived by her Sons Steven Schutz of Unadilla, NE, Dennis and Connie Schutz of Syracuse, NE Grandchildren Stephanie and husband David Stolley, Duffy and wife Katie Schutz, Autumn and Heath Schutz, 6 great granddaughters. Brother-in-law Jim and Linda Schutz of Avoca, NE, Sister-in-law Velda Kempke of Lincoln, NE

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband Fredrick, Brother Maynard Kempke Sister: Myrna Ropers

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 12, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Lutheran Church (North Branch) in Rural Avoca, Nebraska with Rev. Jackie Tjarks officiating.

Burial will be in the First Lutheran (North) Branch Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 11, 2012 from 9:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. with family greeting friends from 6-8 PM at the Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to the First Lutheran Church Paving Fund.

Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse, NE 402-269-2441