Verna Mary (Bolhouse) Griepp

Verna Mary Griepp (94), longtime resident of Aberdeen and Watertown, went to be with the Lord Monday, December 12, 2016, after years of declining health. A committal service will be held Saturday, December 17, at 1 p.m., at Watertown’s Mount Hope Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Monday, December 19, at 1:30 p.m., at Aberdeen First Assembly. Verna was born February 10, 1922, in Castlewood, South Dakota, to Arthur and Elsie (Franklin) Bolhouse, the first of five children. She grew up in Watertown with her parents and extended Franklin family whom she dearly loved. In 1944, Verna’s mother died, and Verna became caregiver for her siblings. Shortly after the war in 1947, Verna met Art Griepp. They married May 14, 1948, in Watertown, and were happily married 63 years until Art’s death, December 22, 2011. The couple made their first home in Watertown where they had four children. Art began his career with Midland National Life as an insurance agent. A committed Christian, Verna faithfully worshiped at Watertown Assembly of God where she taught Sunday school, sang, and played organ. In 1965, the family moved to Aberdeen where Art managed the Ed Downs Agency, later the Griepp-Iwerks Agency. Verna never forgot the night in 1935 when she accepted Jesus as Savior at age 13. That evening she attended a Gospel meeting at the invitation of her aunt Mary Agnes Franklin. Verna and her parents were among the first in their family to experience new birth in Christ. She never forgot the difference Jesus made in her life and home. Verna was a member of Aberdeen First Assembly of God where she played organ. She regularly opened her home to many. A Proverbs 31 woman, Verna was a godly wife and mother who loved her family and faithfully served God. For several years, the couple’s passion for the elderly propelled them to conduct worship services for Aberdeen Living Center residents. Verna visited with residents and played the piano. Art then shared a Bible message. In her leisure time, Verna enjoyed reading, baking, traveling, camping, attending family reunions and Bible camp, visiting her children and grandchildren, and spending time with her beloved husband. Verna will be remembered for her warm and caring motherly love; her kindness, generosity, great cooking, awesome fudge frosted brownies, and strong commitment to Christ. Verna is survived by her daughter, Bobbie Ekanger (Ted), of Aberdeen, and three sons: Doug Griepp, Stockton, CA, Roger Griepp (Sue) of Peoria, AZ, and Rick Griepp (Cherie) of Springfield, MO. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Talmage Ekanger (Aberdeen), Trevor Ekanger (New Orleans, LA), January Harless, Jeffrey Griepp (both Riverbank, CA), D.J. Griepp (Ripon, CA), Matthew Griepp (Syracuse, UT), Nathan Griepp (Dallas, TX), Alyssa Griepp and Autumn Griepp (both Springfield, MO), and 15 great-grandchildren. Verna is survived by two brothers: Dan Bolhouse (Woodbury, MN), and David Bolhouse (Sioux Falls, SD). She is preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Mavis Isack of Watertown; and brother, Dean Bolhouse of Watertown. The family wishes to express appreciation to Verna’s home church and friends at Aberdeen First Assembly, and the caring friends and staff of Primrose Cottages and Manor Care. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Mission Pre-Born at https://missionpreborn.givingfuel.com/financial-issues-web