Verna Thurm

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Verna Margaret Ludwig Thurm, 75, of Altenburg died Sunday, June 7, 2009, at Perry County Memorial Hospital.

She was born March 20, 1934, in Oak Ridge, daughter of the late Ernest and Amanda Hecht Ludwig, who lived near Oak Ridge. She and George Thurm were married Oct. 11, 1953.

Verna Thurm was a full-time homemaker until 1974, when she and her husband purchased Midwest Auto Parts. She managed that business until it closed.

Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Brenda Sue Hopfer of Perryville, Linda (Kyle) Brotherton of Jackson; a son, Stephen Lynn (Debbie) Thurm of Frohna, Mo; two brothers, Leonard (Jacqueline) Ludwig, Marvin (Dorothy) Ludwig, both of Oak Ridge; six grandchildren, Brian (Jennifer Manning) Hopfer, Eric Hopfer, Todd (Brenda Dawn) Hopfer, Jason (Holly) Floyd, Jena Lyn Brotherton, Brandon Michael Thurm; four great-grandchildren, Sydnie Floyd, Ty Hopfer, Gabriel Hopfer and Kilee Hopfer; and a great-stepgranddaughter, Savannah Gross.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Verna Thurm was an active member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Frohna, Altenburg Homemakers Club and Concordia Lutheran Women's Missionary League, where she held various offices.

Her favorite charity was Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Southeast Missouri. She served as auxiliary president 10 years and on the advisory council.

Verna attended Horrell School, a one-room schoolhouse, eight years. She graduated from Oak Ridge High School in May 1951. After graduation she was employed at the Cape Girardeau County Recorder's Office in Jackson several years.

Verna was baptized, confirmed March 30, 1947, and married at St. John's Lutheran Church at Pocahontas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, Concordia Lutheran School Energy Fund, Saxony Lutheran High School or Lutheran Family and Children's Services.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today and from 6 to 10 a.m. Wednesday at Concordia Lutheran Church in Frohna.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with the Rev. Rod Benkendorf officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Wittenberg, Mo.

Young and Sons Funeral Home in Perryville is in charge of arrangements.