Verna Mae Thompson, 86, passed away peacefully on July 24th, 2019.
Verna was born the 6th of 17 children to Marion VanDeHey, nee Freeman, and William VanDeHey on May 3rd, 1933 in Roseau, Minnesota. She married her beloved husband, Herb on August 25th, 1952 and together raised their four children, Patsy Jean, Allen Lee, Lance Warren and Edward William. After multiple moves between Minnesota, Oregon and Florida, Verna and Herb made the decision to move to Alaska in 1966. Driving their Studebaker Lark piled high with their possessions and full of kids, they embarked on the journey north. They had no idea that they would call Talkeetna
home for the next 50 years. Verna was an active member of the community. She was a registered agent and Charter signatory with the Talkeetna Historical Society, a long-time member of the VFW’s Women’s Auxiliary, played for many years on the local women’s softball team and was a devoted member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. In the early 1970’s, Verna began working for Emery Kunckle at the post office, becoming Post Master shortly thereafter. She held that position for 27 years until her retirement in February of 1999. Verna was preceded in death by son Allen Lee Thompson, daughter Patsy (Patty) Jean Krompacky and husband of 54 years, Herbert Lee Thompson. She is survived by her sons Lance Warren Thompson and Edward William Thompson, grandchildren David Krompacky, Katherine Cantrell, Kristi Vereide, Nikki Thompson, Audrey Ebner and Damon Thompson, her 10 great-grandchildren Richard and Elizabeth Cantrell, Jozeph, Gabriel and Kyle Krompacky, Christine, Tyler and Chloe Ebner and Jordyn and Abigail Vereide, her 5 siblings Lois Asleson, Marvin VanDeHey, Mary Ann Jesme, Donald VanDeHey, Betty Lund and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
