Vera Silseth

Vera Luella Swanson was the youngest child born of Swedish immigrants, John and Ida Linnea Swanson, on October 29, 1921, in a farmhouse east of Aurelia, IA. Her parents had emigrated from the Småland area of Sweden. Her oldest brother Alvar spoke of hitching up the horses to take the other siblings - Margaret, Albert, and Harry -- out of the house during her birth. This youngest, red-haired daughter was loved and affectionately called "liten mus" (little mouse) by her Swedish-speaking family. Vera graduated from high school valedictorian of her Aurelia class of 1939. Our father was proud of that fact, and she would roll her eyes and say, "There were only 25 other students." Vera received a five-year nursing degree (a BS - Nursing) from the University of Iowa in Iowa City in 1944. She followed her older sister Margaret's encouragement: "Earn your bachelor's degree in nursing, Vera; then you can go anywhere and do anything!" Vera was to pass on her love of learning and value in higher education to young women and men whose lives she touched. Until very recently, Vera and five nursing classmates maintained a lively "round robin" exchange of letters, sharing each other's lives. Vera worked as a nurse in Michigan, quickly moving to Abbott Hospital in Minneapolis, where she nursed and also taught nursing students. Vera met Marty Silseth at Central Lutheran Church. Marty Silseth had grown up in the St. Anthony Park area of St. Paul with his Norwegian-heritage relatives, had served in the U.S. Army in WW II from 1943 - 46, finished a social work degree at the University of Minnesota, and was attending Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Marty was ordained the week before he married Vera, with an officer's commission as Chaplain to the U.S. Army. They were married on June 1, 1952, at Central Lutheran Church. Rev. Martinus E. ("Marty") Silseth was deployed to Korea, where he served with other chaplains in MASH units, orphanages, and posts. Our mother continued to work at Abbott, until it was apparent she was pregnant with their first child, Kristin. (Abbott did not allow women to work after five months of pregnancy.). Vera returned to Iowa, living with her parents, until Marty's return. When Marty returned from Korea, the family moved to New York where he was called to serve at Lutheran Welfare, the Lutheran-affiliated social service agency. They then relocated to Milwaukee, when Marty was called to Lutheran Welfare (later Lutheran Social Services) of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan as development officer to the Lutheran churches in the two states. Marty also continued to serve in the United States Army Reserve as chaplain. Vera and Marty had two more children: John (1955) and Ruth (1960). With Marty's robust travel schedule, Vera was the hub and director of the household. Vera delighted in her family. She nurtured us, not only with good food (special family favorites: Swedish meatballs and fennel seed rye bread!), but with intellectual curiosity, spiritual wisdom, and a great sense of humor. Vera's great gift was encouragement of each of us, and support for each of us, in exploring our gifts and our own unique paths. Vera served her church by teaching Sunday School, Bethel Bible Series, and monthly circle lessons: she chaired the Mount Carmel quilters, and with Marty, annually helped load the box cars for Lutheran World Relief. She cooked, chauffeured, and visited; and she encouraged, supported, and tutored the children of a Sudanese immigrant family sponsored by Mount Carmel. Vera also led a senior Girl Scout troop, and served as chairperson of the neighborhood. Vera returned to her nursing career as her children entered college, working for Luther Manor in Milwaukee, until she retired at age 64. (She said she retired a year early – giving herself time off for "good behavior!") At age 85, Vera made the independent decision to move to Luther Manor as a resident, first in independent living, and more recently in assisted living. Worshipping weekly, Vera alertly followed the Lutheran church liturgy and sang all the hymns. Her greatest joy in life was her family. She often said, "Aren't we blessed, that God placed us in families!" Vera passed into eternal life on November 20, 2018. In Vera's 97 years she shared her deep faith, great love of family, zest for life, passion for learning, witty sense of humor, and joy with us all. (Did we mention her love of a challenging game of Scrabble?) We will miss her very, very much. We give thanks to God for our precious mom, and are so filled with gratitude that He has embraced her and brought her to Himself. Vera was preceded in death by her husband Marty, her parents, and her siblings. She is survived by her three children and their families: Daughter Kris Peterson (David); Son John Silseth (Karen); Daughter Ruth Silseth Marcott (Craig). Eight Grandchildren: Scott (Julia) Peterson; Kari (Evan) Nelson; Jeff Peterson; Jennifer (Kyle) Binversie; M. John Brian (Amber) Silseth; Cameron Marcott, Luke Marcott (fiancee Sophie Bloomfield), and Jacob Marcott. Nine great-grandchildren who loved their G'Gma: Elsie, Emma, Ellie Peterson; Claire, Paige, Spencer, and Anna Nelson; and Karlie and Kaycee Binversie. And many nieces and nephews, who share their love and memories of their Aunt Vera who so touched their lives with her sense of fun, energy, and love. Visitation for Vera will be on Monday, November 26, from 9:30-10:30 AM at Mount Carmel Lutheran Church, 8424 W, Center St., Milwaukee, WI, with a Funeral Service at 10:30 AM. Following the service there will be a light meal at the Western Racquet Club. Graveside Service will be on Wednesday, November 28, 11:00 AM at Hillside Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN. If desired, memorials to the Mount Carmel Lutheran Church General Fund would be appreciated.