Verla Mae Berner

Verla Mae Berner, age 87, of Watertown, SD, passed away at her home on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown. Pastor Steve Biswell will officiate.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel.

Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Watertown, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband, Ronald Berner. Active pallbearers will include: Jeremy Shepherd, Josh Shepherd, Wyatt Berner, Louis Canfield, Carter Canfield, Tysen Canfield, and Robert Kohlhoff. Honorary pallbearers will be all of Verla’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren

Verla was born on February 28, 1938, in Willow Lake, South Dakota, to Harland and Fern Mudgett. As the third-oldest of 14 siblings, she grew up in a lively and hardworking household where she learned to care for her younger brothers and sisters from an early age. These early responsibilities helped shape the values of hard work, generosity, and resilience that defined her throughout her life. She graduated from Henry High School in 1956.

In 1957, Verla moved to Minneapolis and worked at Cargill until 1959. She then returned to Watertown and met the love of her life, Ronnie. They were married on July 16, 1960, and raised four children—Roxanne, Kayleen, Kevin, and Charles—and built a life centered on love, laughter, and deep commitment to family. Verla and Ron owned and operated Ron’s Auto Repair side by side until Ron’s passing on March 26, 2003.

Verla spent 41 years as the Office/Credit Manager with Hubbard Milling. After retiring in 2000, she continued to use her talents at Midwest Automotive, where she handled office duties alongside her son Charlie. She also stayed active by managing her rental properties and assisting friends and family with their annual income taxes.

Verla had many passions throughout her life. She enjoyed camping, traveling, quilting, crocheting, dancing, painting houses, yard work, jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished every moment with her growing family.

Verla’s legacy is one of quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, and deep love for her family. Her example and spirit will live on through the lives she touched and the many memories she created with those who loved her.

Verla is survived by her three children; Roxy (Jeff) Robinson, Kay (Bill) Shepherd, and Kevin (Dawn) Berner; her grandchildren; Kami (Louis) Canfield, Jeremy (Carley) Shepherd, Josh Shepherd, Whitney (Tanner) Chilson, Wyatt Berner, and Morgan Berner; her great-grandchildren; Carter Canfield, Tysen Canfield, Kynsli Canfield, Ellyson Shepherd, Camdyn Shepherd, and Arthur Chilson; as well as ten siblings and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ron Berner; her son, Charlie Berner; her parents, Harland and Fern Mudgett; and three of her sisters.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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