Vernelle Weis

Vernelle M. Weis, age 78, of Decorah, died Monday, November 6, 2017 at her home in Decorah. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 11, 2017 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah with Rev. Phillip Gibbs officiating. Inurnment will be in St. Benedict Cemetery in Decorah.  Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 10 at Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah and on Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m., one hour before the service, at the church. Vernelle Marie Weis was born on January 30, 1939 in Decorah, IA, the daughter of Sylvester and Vivian (Gossman) Carolan. She was baptized at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Vernelle graduated from Notre Dame High School in Cresco with the class of 1956. Vernelle was united in marriage with Richard J. “Tip” Weis on May 14, 1960 at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Plymouth Rock, Winneshiek County, Iowa. This union was blessed with five children: Jane, John, Michael, Allen and Robert. Vernelle worked at A&J Agency before becoming a full-time wife and mother. Later she began working at Hale's clothing store, which became Elaine's, in Decorah, until she retired. She enjoyed volunteering for numerous charitable organizations including, St. Benedict's church and school, as a local election judge, Aase Haugen Home, Winneshiek Medical Center, and others.  She stayed very active with her many clubs and groups.  She enjoyed golfing, playing cards, dancing, aerobics (from Fitness For Life to Curves), cross county skiing, walking and spending time with family and friends. She was a member of Silvercrest Golf & Country Club, the Elks, Coterie Club, and her coffee club.  She especially loved watching her grandchildren in their many activities. She died Monday, November 6, 2017 at her home of 50 years in Decorah at the age of 78. Vernelle is survived by one daughter, Jane (Derek) Loeb of Bend, OR; three sons: John (Beth) Weis of North Liberty, IA, Mike Weis of Decorah, and Al (Anita) Weis of Decorah; seven grandchildren: Benjamin (Kristin), Emily (fiancée Joe Kim), Adam, Richard, Helen, Henry and Rachel; her two brothers and two sisters: Pat (Pam) Carolan of Stewartville, MN, Gretchen Carolan, Dean (Sherry) Carolan, and Joan (Terry) Rollins, all of Decorah; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard 'Tip', their son, Robert; her parents, Sylvester and Vivian; and her sister Kathleen (Loel) Erickson.