Verna Duntz

Verna Ethel (Gienau) Duntz, daughter of George and Nina Barnes Gienau, was born November 3, 1919 in Smith County, KS. She departed this life on Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at Franklin County Memorial Hospital at the age of 90 years, and 7 days.

Verna grew up around Bellaire, KS. She received her formal education at Bellaire, KS and graduated from Smith Center High School in 1937. She worked as a telephone operator for many years, worked in a grocery store, a the Frosty Mug drive in, and at the Franklin County Hospital in the laundry for many years. On December 24, 1937, she was united in marriage to Wayne Duntz at Smith Center, KS. To this union they were blessed with three children Ronald, Diane and Merrill. They moved to Franklin in 1954.

She was a member of the United Congregational Church of Christ, a 53 year member of Rebekah Lodge, a member of Pioneer I.O.O.F Lodge and a member of the Friendly Dozen Club. She loved to spend time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She was always willing to listen and took many secrets with her. She and Wayne were always willing to help others.

She was preceded in death by her husband Wayne in 2000, parents, grandson Eugene, great granddaughters Danielle, Katrina, and Kenziann.

Left to cherish her memory are her two sons Ronald Duntz and wife Carol, Hastings, NE; Merrill Duntz and wife Sandra, Clay Center, NE; daughter: Diane Duntz, Central City, NE; 7 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sister-in-laws: Bernadine Duntz, Smith Center, KS; Ruth Duntz, Smith Center, KS; and Marguerite Duntz, El Dorado, KS; Brother-in-law: Bill Sutton, Wolford, CA; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Friday, November 13, 2009 at United Congregational Church with Pastor Herman Keen officiating. Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM Thursday, November 12, 2009 at Hutchins Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 6-7. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Smith Center, Kansas. The family suggests memorials to the United Congregational Church, Franklin Senior Center, or Franklin EMS in care of the funeral home.