Verna S. Neidigh

Verna S. Neidigh, 84, of Bremen, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2009, at Community Hospital of Bremen.

Verna was born on February 12, 1925 in Plymouth, Indiana to the late Walter K. Schlosser, MD, and Marion M. (Pike) Schlosser. On December 25, 1944 she married Robert (“Bob”) J. Neidigh, who survives.

Verna “Marty” Schlosser Neidigh will be remembered as a loving, inspiring wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, leader and friend. She sought spiritual growth, loved reading and traveling, and was a “people’s person.” Verna was profoundly hard of hearing her entire life. She helped lead the way at the local, state and national level to improve accessibility for people with disabilities by serving as a National Board Member for the Hearing Loss Association of America (formerly known as Self Help for Hard of Hearing), helping lay the foundation and acting as State Coordinator for HLA of Indiana, being actively involved in Fifth Freedom statewide advocacy network, and helping form the Methodist Handicapped Ministries Committee. In 2006 she received the Indiana Governor’s Council Distinguished Leadership Award, symbolizing the culmination of her life’s advocacy work. Verna received a BS in Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas and a Master of Education from IUSB.

Verna wrote a column, “The Kitchen Window,” in the Bremen Enquirer for many years. She and her mother traveled the world in the mid-70s. Verna was a member of the Society of Friends South Bend Meeting (Quakers). She was healed of two bouts of stage-four lymphoma in 1974 and 2008. She passed peacefully, succombing to pneumonia. Her message of love and forgiveness will be her legacy.

She is survived by her husband, Robert J. Neidigh, four children, Dale R. Neidigh, Florida; Sharon M. Neidigh, Ohio; Roberta J. (Carsen) Neidigh-Anthonisen, California; John L. Neidigh, Mississippi. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Marion K., Colleen E. and Haley C., all of California

Verna was preceeded by her parents, Walter K. Schlosser, MD, and Marion M. (Pike) Schlosser, two brothers, Daniel B. Schlosser, DVM; Joseph L. Schlosser; and one sister, Bonnie S. Michaud

The visitation will be Sunday, February 22, 2009, from 2-6 PM at Mishler Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 AM, Monday, February 23, 2009 at Grace United Methodist Church, 323 North Montgomery, Bremen, Indiana 46506 with Rev. Bill Garver officiating.

Memorials contributions may be given to Hearing Loss Association of Michiana or to the Bremen Food Pantry.