It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Vernice Carol Ostman, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother on Sunday, July 21, 2024. Vernice was born on October 22, 1946, in Bagley, Minnesota to her parents Harold and Gloria Qvern.
Vernice grew up in Bemidji, Minnesota and graduated from Bemidji High School in 1964. She married Robert Ostman on July 30, 1966, and worked at the Bemidji High School Library to help support her husband in finishing college. After he graduated college, he enlisted in the United States Air Force that moved them multiple times. Between 1970 and 1973, Vernice gave birth to their two daughters. They settled in Kenosha in 1973 after her husband ended his active service. Vernice dedicated her time as a stay-at-home Mom and homemaker. She was active in the PTAs, the Kenosha Band Boosters, the Kenosha Orchestra Boosters, and supported and attended her girls’ musical, athletic, academic, and extracurricular events.
After her girls were both in school, she earned her LPN and worked part-time for local nursing homes for a short time. After her marriage ended, Vernice went back to work as the hostess at Hardees in Kenosha keeping the local high school seniors in line during their open lunches. She also worked at Kenosha County Teachers Credit Union and KUSD. After her girls graduated from high school, she moved to Colorado Springs, CO where she worked as a delivery driver and a telemarketer. Vernice returned to Kenosha in 1998 where she met her long-time love and companion, Richard Konopski. She returned to work being a nanny for several families and taking care of her grandchildren.
Vernice had many interests. One started due to her following her husband’s interests when she became an Amateur Radio operator. As a “Ham”, she was a full member of the Amateur Radio Emergency service that honored her for her life saving efforts to get emergency services where needed when telephone lines were not working. Her other passions were around the arts and nature. Vernice loved to dance, sing, paint, draw, and create projects she could share with her family and the children she cared for. She loved gardening, nature, and wildlife. She was a member of the Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Foundation, and contributed to the World Wildlife Fund to support and protect those interests.
Vernice was also a huge fan of Elvis. She never saw him in person, yet about ten years ago she saw her first concert by an Elvis impersonator, John Van Thiel. She was struck spellbound and was in awe. Not only was he a wonderful performer, but he was also an authentically caring person. Vernice went to every one of his shows that she could for nearly a decade. His shows gave her such a charge and brought her back to that young youthful girl she was at every single performance. Vernice’s family sends a special thank you to John Van Thiel for all the special moments and attention he gave to her and her family.
Throughout her life, Vernice had an interest in genealogical charts and was the glue that helped much of the extended family together. She was exceptional at sending those special cards out to her family, friends, and congregation members for all birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and special occasions. Her generosity and love for family was understated yet impactful to so many. She cherished all moments spent with her loved ones, and her memory will forever resonate in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Whether she was nurturing her children, doting on her grandchildren, teaching crafts to her great-grandchildren, or sharing stories with her many friends, Vernice’s presence brought warmth and comfort to all who knew her.
Vernice dedicated her life to serving her community and caring for others in many ways. She was a source of unwavering love and support for her family, embodying the true essence of selflessness and compassion.
Survived by her daughters, Cheri Ostman and Diane (Chuck) Weiss; sister, Mary (Kenny) Broshofske; granddaughter, Courtney (Ryne) Greenwood; and great-grandchildren, Caleb Jarvis, Xavier Voda and Addison Greenwood, many loving cousins and one niece, Sara Broshofske. Vernice leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will endure through the generations.
Vernice was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Gloria Qvern and her partner, Richard Konopski.
Vernice’s family would like to extend thanks to our incredible medical teams in Kenosha and Oak Creek, WI. Special thanks to our compassionate phlebotomy team at St Catherine’s Hospital in Kenosha, her favorite pharmacists at Walgreens, Cora Therapy, Empatia Palliative Care, and the incredibly generous and loving team at Heartland Hospice.
Service Date July 21, 2024
