VERNE TWITERO

Verne Lloyd Twitero, age 83, of Wagner was called to his heavenly Father’s arms on Tuesday, August 5 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. Funeral services were Saturday, August 9 at St. John Lutheran Church in Wagner. A service of interment was held at the Sisseton City Cemetery in Sisseton, on Monday, August 11. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Verne's memory be directed to the Wagner Cancer Walk or St. John Lutheran Church, Wagner. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner is in charge of arrangements.

Verne was born on January 10, 1942 in Sisseton, to Knute “Lloyd” Twitero and Ellen (Lind) Twitero. He joined older brother Charles and was later joined by David. The family’s early years were spent on a farm southwest of Claire City prior to the family moving into their home in Claire City. Verne attended school in Claire City and graduated from Sisseton High School in 1960.

Many were the adventures Verne shared with his brothers, cousins and friends in northeastern South Dakota. Stories abound of their adventures in Claire City and Sica Hollow. Following high school, Verne began his post-secondary studies at the South Dakota School of Mines and later transferred to Northern State University where he completed a degree in teaching.

In January of 1965, Verne began his teaching career in Wagner that spanned over 40 years. He primarily taught Chemistry and Physics but also taught everything from Computer Drafting to Practical Math. He touched the lives of hundreds of students and was known for sharing stories of his adventures in Sica Hollow which “may” have grown over the years.

While working at Wagner High School, Verne met the love of his life. Verne and Janice Marie Stillman were united in holy matrimony at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Tripp on November 20, 1965. They were blessed with two daughters, Shelley and Janelle.

Verne was baptized and confirmed on February 1, 1968 at St. John Lutheran Church in Wagner, where he served as a trustee, Sunday School superintendent and teacher. He loved the outdoors with much of his free time spent hunting, fishing, camping and golfing. His gardening efforts provided fresh vegetables for the family as well as numerous neighbors. He took great pride in his plush lawn that the neighborhood children enjoyed getting to play on. Many great memories were created with his family camping and exploring. He gave his family a lifetime of memories at the Missouri River water skiing and swimming.

Verne is survived by his wife, Janice, of nearly 60 years; his two daughters, Shelley (Bill) Miller, Sioux Falls, and Janelle (Jeff ) Gregg, Sisseton; four grandsons: Cody (Hannah) Groves, Ryan Gregg, Troy Miller, and Tate Gregg; one granddaughter, Tristen Miller; his brother David Twitero; brothers and sisters-in-law: Mikkey Twitero, Darlis Kaser, Merlin (Sharon) Stillman, and Doreen (Pat) Adams; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Ellen Twitero; his father and mother-in-law, Elmer and Beata Stillman; brother, Charles Twitero; sisters and brothers-in-law: Cindy Twitero, Dwayne Schoenfelder, Marilyn Pietz, Jim Pietz and Clint Kaser; and nephews Wayne Twitero and Shawn Daily.