The youngest of three daughters born to George and Julia (Ueker) Frese, Vernita grew up on the family farm outside of Nora Springs, surrounded by a closely-knit extended family. She attended both elementary school and high school in Nora Springs, participating in 4-H, theater, chorus, and Luther League at St. Luke's Lutheran Church. After graduating Valedictorian of her class, she attended Wartburg College in Waverly IA, where she enrolled in business and secretarial courses. It was during her freshman year at Wartburg that she met senior theology student Jewayne (Joe) Baumgartner. They were married the following June before moving to Dubuque IA where Joe attended and graduated from Wartburg Theological Seminary. During their 70 years of marriage, Joe and Vernita lived in Dubuque and Burlington IA, Denver CO, Wichita and Oberlin KS, and for the last 50 years, Fremont NE. During those years, Pastor Joe and Vernita were blessed to serve in the congregations of Bluffs Trinity Lutheran Church, Fremont; Resurrection Lutheran Church, Ames; and St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, North Bend. Upon retirement, they joined the church family of Peace Lutheran Church in Fremont.
Vernita's career was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, as well as Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, choir member, gardener, and antiques collector. Vernita and Joe spent many happy hours attending farm and estate sales, and combing through antique stores and flea markets. Vernita also enjoyed bowling with her husband on the church bowling team, camping with her family, working in her flower beds, refinishing furniture, and quilting with the Bluffs Trinity women.
Vernita was preceded in death by her husband, Jewayne, and sisters Lois Moffet and Nadine McCombs. She is survived by three children: Jeff (Susan) Baumgartner of Fremont, Susan (Robert) Moore of Colleyville TX, and Julie (Paul) Zucker of Austin TX, as well as grandchildren Nathan Baumgartner of Fremont, Mark (Maggi) Baumgartner of Omaha, Anne (Nathan) Greeley of Marion IN, and Kathrine (Austin) Hubbert of Houston TX. Also surviving are niece Sandra (Doug) Beckman of Blooming Prairie MN, and nephews Rev. Ronald (Linda) Beckman of Sioux Falls SD, Kevin (Kathy) McCombs of Cedar Falls IA, and David (Bobbi) McCombs of Morrison CO.
The funeral service to be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27 at Peace Lutheran Church, Fremont, private burial will be prior in the Bluffs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to Peace Lutheran Church or Bluffs Trinity Lutheran Church.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(1)
Marie Nordboe
Ames, NE Thursday, September 25, 2025 I always enjoyed visiting with your mom at the salon. So many great stories! You could tell that there was a great love between your parents and much pride for all your family.It was an honor to have her as a client. My deepest sympathy to all your family.
Marie Nordboe
1508 Co Rd 14 Blvd
Ames, NE