Verna Sidonia (Leschke) Geihl

Verna Sidonia (Leschke) Geihl, age 97, passed away on August 2, 2024. She was born on September
28, 1926, in Sioux City, Iowa to Fredrick William and Amelia (Emilie) Marie (Gergens) Leschke.
A lifelong member of the Lutheran church, Verna was baptized in 1927 at St. John Lutheran Church in
Sioux City, Iowa. She was confirmed on Palm Sunday in 1938 at Salem Lutheran Church in Dakota City,
Nebraska. As an adult, Verna belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church and then Grace Lutheran Church in
Dallas. When Grace closed its doors, Verna became a deeply devoted member of Cross of Christ
Lutheran Church in DeSoto. Verna celebrated her final communion on earth August 1, 2024.
Verna graduated from Dakota City High School in the class of 1944. She later moved to Chicago,
Portland and Seattle while working for Western Union. She also worked as a Secretary for the Sioux City
Grain Exchange.
On April 20, 1952, Verna married Jerry Leroy Geihl. They were married for 19 years. To this union was
born four children.
Following years of caring for her home and family, Verna went back to the workforce and enjoyed a
fulfilling career. She worked at Sears Roebuck in Dallas, and then 19 years at Liberty Mutual Insurance
where she retired as an executive secretary. Following her retirement, Verna pursued her passion for art
at Mountain View College, studying various forms of art including oil and watercolor painting, pencil,
pastel and charcoal drawing, pottery, and many others. She also enjoyed working part time as a clerk for
Knit a Bit at Red Bird Mall in Dallas and then Sugar & Spice Gift Shop.
Verna is remembered for her independent spirit, grace filled and ever positive outlook, an active social
life and her dedication to her family. She loved attending her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren's
band concerts, baseball, soccer, and basketball games. Verna's daily routine was consistent and
fulfilling, starting with morning devotions, exercise, and leisure activities like reading, jigsaw and
crossword puzzles, gardening, and other creative endeavors. She also enjoyed the creative arts of
sewing, embroidery, knitting and crochet. Verna faithfully attended Bible study on Tuesdays and enjoyed
painting and lunch at the DeSoto Senior Center every Wednesday. She was a member of the DeSoto
Art League. She was always ready to join in spur of the moment outings with her only question being
“how long do I have to get ready?” Verna recently became a member of the Sunshine Class at First
United Methodist Church of Red Oak and enjoyed their Saturday morning Bible studies followed by
game time. Her volunteer work at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church was a testament to her generous
spirit and commitment to her community. Verna's life was marked by her unwavering devotion to her
family, her deep faith, and her love for the arts. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Verna was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Emilie Leschke and two sisters Joyce Leschke
and Ella Jean Phillips.
She is survived by her children Lynne and husband Hugh E. Grandstaff, Denise and husband Mark
Frankie, Brian and wife Nancy Lazarte Geihl and Dawn and husband Tommy Garcia; five grandchildren:
Tommy and wife Valarie Garcia, Hugh T. and wife Sylvia Grandstaff, Brandt and wife Angela Frankie,
Robert and wife Rachel Grandstaff and Emily Frankie Golden and husband Joshua. Four great
grandchildren: Case Golden, Ava Golden, Kennedy Frankie and Miriam Grandstaff. She leaves behind
to cherish her memory a large extended family and many good friends.

A Memorial Service is planned for 2 PM, Sunday, October 20 at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church located
at 512 N Cockrell Hill Rd in DeSoto, Tx. Her ashes will be interred at Grove Hill Cemetery in Dallas at a
later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, Wycliffe Bible
Translators or a charity of your choice.

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