Velma June Downer

Velma June Downer age 82, of Menahga, MN died Thursday, March 10, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Area Health Services in Park Rapids, MN. Velma was born to Dewitt and Ruth (Frisbie) Downer on June 10, 1928 in Yola, MN in Hubbard County. When she was two Velma moved with her family to Huntersville Township, then to Nimrod and later to a farm in Orton Township. She attended school at district 59 and district 21-2. When her parents moved to Montana she went with them, Velma made her home with her parents most of her life. Velma worked hard on the farm she enjoyed gardening, especially growing beautiful flowers and she always had many house plants. She was known for her green thumb. She found great pleasure picking blueberries with family and friends. Velma enjoyed embroidery and did beautiful hand work. Velma also loved animals especially cats and dogs. Velma is survived by her sister Lillie Riemann of Menahga; two nephews, Randy Riemann and Ricky Riemann both of Menahga; one niece Rhonda Webster and her husband Jon of Rochester, MN; several great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and one great nephew Shannon Fairbanks. Funeral Services will be held 1:00 PM Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Menahga, with Pastor John Ramsbacher officiating. Ruth Ann Kinnunen will serve as organist. Congregational hymns are “In the Garden,” “Amazing Grace” and “Children of the Heavenly Father.” Active Casketbearers will be family and friends. Interment will be at Shell City Cemetery.