Verna Marie Lee

Verna Marie Ikast Lee passed away Thursday, February 1, 2018, at the age of 87. Verna was born on November 6, 1930, on a farm north of Arlington, South Dakota to the late Carl N. and Marie E. Ikast. Verna was the fifth of six children. Verna had many fond memories of a happy, contented, well-loved childhood. Music was always an integral part of Verna’s life. In fact, Verna’s mother said that she heard Verna sing the entire first verse and chorus of “Old Black Joe” before she even knew she could talk! Verna and her “next to the oldest sister,” Delores, spent many hours practicing and singing together. Delores accompanied on the guitar. They sang for church, funerals, socials, etc. All of Verna’s childhood the family attended the country Church of God located on the corner of her dad’s quarter. She became a Christian at an early age. However, she wasn’t baptized until she was a senior in High School. Verna attended Country school all eight grades at Quinn School District #13 and High School in Arlington. After graduation from High School, she attended General Beadle Teacher’s College in Madison, South Dakota. There she received a Second Grade Certificate to teach Rural School. That fall she taught Rural School District #38 in Brookings County. On June 5, 1949, Verna married Roy Lee, after a two and a half year courtship. All during their courtship they double dated with Verna’s brother, Gerry and his wife to be, Audrey, Roy’s sister! Roy and Verna lived two and one-half years on a farm on the banks of Lake Henry which is located between Lake Preston and DeSmet, South Dakota. While living there a daughter, Gail Verna, was born on March 3, 1950. In the fall of 1952, Verna and family moved to a farm in Brookings County, South Dakota. This farm was located seven and one-half miles north of Arlington, South Dakota. On December 15, 1952 a son, Gary Roy, was born. Verna and Roy thought that the family was complete, but ten years later, on May 9, 1962 another son, Galen Jay, was born. The First Church of God in Brookings, South Dakota was Verna’s church home during the fourteen years she lived on the farm north of Arlington. Church and Sunday School were always a vital part of Verna’s life. She taught Sunday School in South Dakota and later in