Velma L.

Zakrzewski

+1

Velma La Vone Zakrzewski, 96, of O'Neill, died peacefully on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024 at Parkside Manor in Stuart surrounded by her loving family.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill with a 7 p.m. Catholic Daughter's rosary. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill.

Burial will be in the O'Neill Cemetery in O'Neill.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Schools or St. Patrick's Alter Society in O'Neill in Velma's name.

Velma was born on Feb. 22, 1928, in Monowi, to John “Jack” and Clara Passieux. She was a loving daughter, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

She married Paul F. Zakrzewski on June 1, 1946. They shared 49 ½ years together before Paul's death in January of 1996. Paul and Velma raised nine children on a farm Northeast of O'Neill Larry (Margaret), Fritz (Sally), Dee (Dave), Dianne (George), Marilyn (Bernard), Paul (Erin), David (Mary), Kathy (George) and Mike (Shelly).

Velma's life was one of loving, humble service to others. She was devoted to her family but always had time for friends and relatives, especially those in need. She was hard working, laboring on the farm with gardening, canning, sewing, helping with farm chores, household work, all without the luxuries of today's modern life (even without electricity for the first five years of marriage), but her highest glory was motherhood. She was known for her gift of hospitality – there was always a welcome spot at the table to enjoy her delicious homecooked meals.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She was always available to them whenever they needed a loving grandma to comfort them with a hug, a listening ear and a cookie or two.

She served in many quiet and humble capacities, bringing food to others, helping out at the country school and being a good neighbor and friend.  

She was a long-time member of the Catholic Daughters and the American Legion Auxiliary. As a member of the Altar Society of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill, she helped prepare and serve many funeral dinners and was especially acclaimed for her famous deviled eggs.

Velma will be remembered for her kindness, faith, hospitality and unwavering love for her family.  Her legacy of love and generosity will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Velma is survived by two sisters Jackie Rohde and Ruby Froemming; her remaining seven children, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, 29 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband Paul; her parents Clara and Jack Passieux; four siblings Darlene (Cletus) Weinberger, Betty (Marvin) Green, Ray (Bonnie) Passieux and Vernon (Marilyn) Passieux; two brothers-in-law Bernard Rohde and Ed Froemming; two sons David Zakrzewski and Fritz Zakrzewski; one son-in-law Dave Swinarski; and one grandson Corey Grutsch.   

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