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Verdeen R. Luft, 94, of Schaller died Sept. 26, 2024, at Methodist Manor in Storm Lake.
Funeral services will take place Monday, Sept. 30, at 10:30 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Schaller. Burial will be in Schaller Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, Sept. 29, from 5-7 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Schaller.
Verdeen was born Jan. 5, 1930, to Louis and Lena (Lenz) Luft in Odebolt. He was raised in Schaller, and attended a country school in Cook Township.
On June 13, 1954, Verdeen was united in marriage to Darlene Rhoads in Sac City. They were blessed with two children, Dean and Jolene. They also gained two honorary daughters, Laurene and Paula.
Farming was Verdeen’s passion. He started planting crops at 16-years-old and continued for 70 years. Verdeen was a member of the Lion’s Club, Farm Bureau Board and Agland Co-op Board. In his free time, he loved to fish. Every year, Verdeen took trips to the Lake of the Woods. He looked forward to Dean driving him to get ice cream, taking trips to the casino and playing Bingo. He loved bowling and played on senior bowling leagues. Working on antique tractors brought Verdeen joy and he enjoyed going on tractor rides. He also enjoyed collecting and restoring hand pumps. Verdeen will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Verdeen is survived by his children: Dean Luft of Schaller; Jolene (Brent) Turnquist of Schaller; honorary daughters: Laurene (John) Mills of Sioux City; Paula Hill of Cherokee; grandchildren: Rachel (Kelly) Sturtevant, Brandon (Tollie) Turnquist, Wes Turnquist, Andy Mills, Michael (Janice McGinty) Mills, Heather Bubke, Neil Bubke and Michelle (Chris) Horton; great-grandchildren: Tiffany (Dayton) Briggs, Mikayla Hanson, Braeden Grimes (Maya), Walker Sturtevant, Heaven Sturtevant, Brock Turnquis, Connor Turnquist, Alexis Turnquist (Zach), Peyton Turnquist, Kyson Turnquist, Trenten Mills (Trinity), Allie Mills, Dakota Horton, Chase Horton, Tanner Horton and Emersyn Horton; great-great-grandchild Jaxon Grimes; nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Darlene Luft; brother Calvin Luft; nephew Keith Luft; parents-in-law Wesley (Evaline) Rhoads; and brother-in-law Mike Hill.
