Our mother and grandmother, Verna Lou Ensz Goertzen, was born to Henry D. and Sarah Martens Ensz on November 16, 1940 at her home place near Inman, Kansas. She peacefully passed on to her reward on September 25, 2026, reaching the age of eighty-five years.

Growing up as the youngest in a family of two brothers and four sisters, made for many happy memories. She received her formal education in the Inman community schools. On February 10, 1954. upon the confession of her faith, she was baptized, becoming a member of the Church of God. in Christ, Mennonite. This commitment was real, and this faith was very precious to her.

On October 22, 1961, she married Henry Goertzen. Their first home was in Buhler, Kansas. They then moved to her parents’ home place. With their growing family, gardening became a part of her life that continued through the years.

Dad's dream of working together with his boys caused folks to seriously consider Wisconsin, where dairy farming was the opportunity that appealed to them. They moved in November, 1981, to the Barron. Wisconsin area. After the cows were sold, Dad started back into taping, texturing and painting; Mom was by his side pulling her share of the load.

She and Dad enjoyed gardening, and many, many jars of pickles, jams, and jellies were sold at the local Farmer's Market, plus any extra produce that their garden yielded. Through their different occupations, many lasting friendships were made, and Mom treasured each one. Her ready, contagious smile and loving personality gave her access to people's hearts.

In later years, she lovingly cared for Dad as he went into his dementia journey until his passing in April of 2021. After Dad's passing, she enjoyed meeting with friends for coffee or a lunch at one of the eating places nearby.

In the fall of 2024, Mom moved into Woodstone Assisted Living, in Rice Lake. She was very lovingly cared for by the Woodstone Team, and we know she loved them in return. We are very thankful for their tender care of our mother.

She will be greatly missed by her four children: Ronda and Ken Giesel of Barron, Cam and Deb of Barron, David and Gina of Ft. Sumner, New Mexico and Mark and Lori of Grifton, North Carolina; 19 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Dale and Betty Moundridge of Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; five sisters and one brother.

A funeral service for Verna Goertzen will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the Barron Mennonite Church. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 28 at the Barron Mennonite Church and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday morning.

Last Update: Sep 28, 2026 9:03 am CDT