Verna was born September 27, 1937 at Canton, South Dakota, the daughter of Charles and Ruth (DeNeui) Geiken. She grew up at Ellis, South Dakota where she attended school through the eighth grade. On-line condolences may be left at Chapel Hill Funeral Home.

Verna married Karl Klepel on August 12, 1961 in Pipestone, Minnesota. They lived in Milbank for a few years and moved to the Sioux Falls area. Verna worked at home caring for her family. When her children were in school, Verna worked as a waitress for many years in Sioux Falls at local cafes as well as Sunshine and Arby’s. After she retired, she worked at the Walmart on East 10th St. as a greeter for several years.

She enjoyed camping, having a cup of coffee and visiting with family and friends. One of her favorite snacks was popcorn. Verna had been a member of Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church for ten years.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Cathy (Dan) Richardson of Dell Rapids, Steve (Ginny) Klepel of Harrisburg, MO, Greg (Terri) Klepel of Sioux Falls, Cynthia Cunningham of Sioux Falls, Karla (Greg) Eastman of Sioux Falls, Michael (Natasha) Klepel of Sioux Falls, Bradley Klepel of Sioux Falls; 19 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren; and two siblings, Dennis (Pearl) Geiken of Sioux Falls and Deanna (Melvin) Zuehlke of Sioux Falls.

Verna is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Karl; and a sister, GayAllen French.