Veronica A. "Verna" Kleinschmidt

Veronica A. "Verna" Kleinschmidt, age 91 formerly of Hastings and Winona, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sunday morning, November 11, 2018, at Commons on Marice in Eagan. Veronica Ann, the daughter of John and Anna (Kulas) Jaszewski, was born in Winona on January 5, 1927. Following her graduation from Cathedral High School in Winona with the class of 1944, Verna was united in marriage to James J. Kleinschmidt on May 16, 1953, also in Winona. He later preceded her in death on December 5, 2000. Verna took great joy in being a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She instilled in all of us the importance of doing the right thing, of appreciating what we have and valuing family harmony. Her life has made the world a better place. We will miss you, Mom! She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Gary; nine brothers and sisters; and by her husband, James. Verna is survived by five children, Rick (Julie), Paula (Jim) Colwell, Mark, Sheila (Kelly) Ries, and Amy. She was blessed with five grandchildren: Anne (Pete) Marlenga, Marie Kleinschmidt (fianc, Tom Sippola), Joe Kleinschmidt, Ryan (Katie) Ries, and Andrew Ries; five great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Eloise, Isabelle, Leo, and Olive. Verna is also survived by sisters-in-law, Betty Jaszewski and Joanne Kleinschmidt and brothers-in-law, Mike Kleinschmidt and Dick Wessel; and by many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 15, 2018, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings. Immediately following the Mass, a luncheon will be held at church, and interment will follow at the parish cemetery. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at church on Thursday morning. The family would like to thank the Pearl Garden staff at the Commons on Marice and Brighton Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Verna. In lieu of flowers, Vernas family requests memorials be made to Hastings Family Service, Sharing and Caring Hands, or to the donors choice in her memory. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia, Smidt Starkson Funeral Home Crematory of Hastings.