Verna Pollock

Verna was born on Dec. 21, 1938, in Leader, Saskatchewan, Canada, the first daughter of the late Herbert and Bertha (Sackmann) Remus. She spent most of her school years in Kelowna, British Columbia, and after graduating high school moved to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where she earned her diploma as a registered nurse. She later joined her family in Medicine Hat, Alberta, where she completed a year of Bible college and began working at Medicine Hat Hospital.

Verna had an adventurous spirit and a readiness to embrace new opportunities.

With a close friend, she worked in a hospital in New Mexico before accepting an invitation from a former colleague to move to Juneau, Alaska. There, she worked at Saint Anne’s Hospital and met her husband, Ken Pollock. They were married on Dec. 28, 1963, in a winter setting she always cherished — surrounded by snow, mountains, and the striking beauty of Alaska.

Not long after, Verna and Ken made their home in Iron Mountain, where they raised their four children and where she remained for the rest of her life.

Verna served as a nurse at the VA hospital for 30 years, including 10 years working specifically with patients in substance abuse care. Even after retirement, her desire to care for others continued as she worked part-time at Victorian Pines for another 10 years.

Verna lived with creativity and purpose. She played the piano from childhood throughout her life and was also a singer, writer, and published author. For a time, she wrote a weekly column for the Iron Mountain newspaper. She was actively involved in a Christian women’s business organization, through which she traveled and spoke. She also took on the role of a bus driver for a time.

Her devotion to her Lord and Saviour shaped and guided her life. It was evident in her daily actions and in her faithful service to her church, where she taught Sunday school, led youth groups, and shared her musical gifts.

Verna was a devoted and loving mother who created a home marked by warmth and care. She prepared nourishing meals, tended her garden, and baked pies that became a family tradition. Her home was always welcoming, and her family remained her deepest priority. She faithfully prayed for each of them throughout her life.

Verna will be deeply missed by her four children, Karen (Sam), Ron (Brenda), Tim (Rebecca), and Nathan; her seven grandchildren, Andrew, Erica, Abby, Jacob, Zachary, Nikki, and Ryan; and her seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Dona Fyke, Ron (Debbie) Remus, and Darlene Renner; along with many dearly loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ken; her parents, Herbert and Bertha Remus; brothers-in-law Terry Renner, John Fyke, and Lyle Weis; her parents-in-law, Edgar and Luella Pollock; brother-in-law Bob Pollock; sister-in-law June Pollock; sister-in-law Florence Shivy; and brother-in-law Ernie Shivy.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Victorian Pines for their care and compassion.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11:50 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home, 901 Carpenter Ave., with the Nurses Honor Guard of Dickinson-Iron Counties starting Verna’s Celebration of Life Service at 11:50 a.m. and followed by Pastor Jim Janofski at noon. Burial will be in the Dickinson County Memorial Gardens. 

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Verna Joyce Pollock online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8