Vera Sandmeyer

Vera Viola Nelson, the daughter of Otto and Emily (Nelson) Nelson was born on November 12, 1908, in Woodhull, IL. Vera was baptized as an infant, and she affirmed her Baptismal vows at Augustana Lutheran Church in St. James, MN as a young woman. She attended and graduated from St. James schools, walking the one and one half miles every day and never missing a day of school. She continued her education by at the Normal School (teacher's college) in Mankato, and she went on to teach in area rural schools. On April 4, 1936, Vera was united in marriage to Ben Sandmeyer at the parsonage of the St. James Catholic Church. They made their home and farmed in St. James Township until Ben's death on March 29, 1979. Vera continued to live on the farm until she moved in to St. James in 1985, and on October 17, 2005 she entered Pleasant View Nursing Home. Vera was an active member of Augustana Lutheran Church and the Rachel Circle. She enjoyed making her famous apple pies and chocolate chip cookies, baking, cooking, reading, gardening, various handcrafts, and watching Bandwagon and Wheel of Fortune. Vera Sandmeyer, age 97, of Saint James, MN, died Friday, June 16, 2006, at St. James Health Services Hospital in St. James . Vera is survived by her daughter, Diane and her husband Gary Missling of St. James; four grandsons, Brad and his wife Jody Missling, Eric and his wife Nycole Missling, Matt and his wife Michelle Missling, and Paul Missling; five great grandchildren, Olivia, Derek, Allyson, Katelyn and Trey; a sister, Mildred Westman of St. James; a sister-in-law, Lucy Malmgren of St. James; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter, Eunice Patricia; a sister, Anna Kintzi; and two brothers, Leonard and Allen Nelson.