Isabella Vedner

Isabella "Polly" M. Vedner 98, Wausau, died Monday, July 9, 2007 at Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau. She was born September 19, 1908 in Meadow, South Dakota, daughter of the late Frank and Susan (Rourk) Rourk. On June 17, 1933, she married Joseph Harold Vedner M.D. at Holy Name Rectory, Wauwatosa, Wis. He preceded her in death on January 15, 1976. Isabella was a graduate of West Division High School, Milwaukee and after graduation, she worked in the business office of the Wisconsin Telephone Company. Following marriage, they moved to Oshkosh, where Doctor interned at Mercy Hospital and then began his practice in Wild Rose. In 1935, he was called into military service, so for the next 10 years the Vedner's moved some 20 times until Doctor was sent overseas. Then Isabella and their two children, Sue- Claire, age 7 and Richard, age 6 returned to Milwaukee. After the war, the family moved to Mauston, where Patricia was born and remained until Doctor's death in 1976. During her 30 years in Mauston, Isabella was actively involved in church, school and community affairs. She served two terms as past president of the Juneau-Adams Deanery, past president of St Patrick Home and School, past chapter president of the American Red Cross, past president of the Mauston Federated Women's Club, conducted several drives with the Red Cross for Polio, and was a member of St. Patrick's Choir as well as the homemakers chorus. Isabella also served on the La Crosse Diocesean Board for 13 years, as recording secretary and member at large, served on the Governors Committee on Youth and was past president of the County Medical Auxiliary. Following her move to Wausau, she became: president of the Catholic Women's Club, was past president of Chapter 282 AARP, past vice president and program chairman of the Wausau Women's Club and served on the Marywood Board of Govenors. Isabella was a guest lecturer at several area high schools, where she spoke of her life experiences during the Depression. She was currently a member of The Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau. She is survived by her three children, Sue-Claire (Douglass) Seeber, Chippewa Falls, Richard (Carol) Vedner, Rib Mountain and Patricia (Dr. William) Dernbach, Rib Mountain; 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Besides her parents and husband, Dr. Joseph H. Vedner, she was preceded in death by one brother, Dalton Rourk. The funeral mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 16, 2007 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. William Grevatch will preside. Burial will be in Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, King, Wis. Friends may call Sunday from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Wausau. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com