Vera Elizabeth Friend

Vera Elizabeth Friend, age 100, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 21, 2020 in Mesa, AZ. Born on the family farm, November 28, 1920 in Lomira, Wisconsin as the first born of William Callies and Lille (Coulter) Callies.

As a child, she attended a one room rural schoolhouse and in the summers also attended a German school; as much of the community was of German descent. She furthered her education at a business college in Milwaukee, WI. In her early adult career she worked at a greeting card company in Illinois. She finished her career at the Wisconsin State Historical Society, where she worked for over 20 years as a purchasing assistant. Although she grew up in a home that worshipped God, it was not until she was in her 20's that she received Christ's gift of salvation which transformed her life. She was active in her local church, teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir. Her desire was to honor and glorify God. She will always be remembered fondly as a kind and generous woman.

She is preceded in death by David, her husband of nearly 70 years; a son, Jim; and a sister, Clarinda of Wisconsin. She is survived by a brother, Quinton of Scottsdale; her children, Linda Friend, Daniel Friend and Christine Zuercher; 7 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.