Verna Marcella Samb

Verna M. Samb, 98, of Waukon, IA, died Monday, March 15, 2021, at her home. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 19th, at 11:00 AM at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church with Pastor Ken Kimball officiating and burial in the church cemetery in rural Waterville, IA. Friends may call one hour before services on Friday at the church. In consideration of concerns regarding Covid-19, social distancing and wearing of masks is required. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements.

Verna Marcella Samb was born March 6, 1923, on the rural Waterville, IA, farm of her parents, Carl and Thorine (Anderson) Christianson. She was baptized and confirmed at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waterville. Verna attended Dalby country school in Center Township, graduated from Waterville High School in 1940, and attended Waterloo School of Beauty in Waterloo, IA, along with her sister Lillian. They moved back to Waukon and worked for Carl Halverson's Mariposa Beauty and Barber Shop at the corner of Spring Avenue and East Main Street. On October 6, 1973, she married Victor Samb in Winona, MN, they lived in La Crosse, WI, and owned and operated two ready to wear clothing stores: The Queen Shop, specializing in large sizes, and a store for children. Verna and Victor retired in 1989 and enjoyed traveling. In 1998, Victor passed away; she moved back to Waukon in 2000 to be closer to family and friends.

Verna was a member of Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church, where she was active in Naomi circle. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, cooking, baking, gardening, and talking about current events.

Survivors include her sister-in-law Helen Christianson of Waukon and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Victor; two brothers: Charles and Edwin Christianson; three sisters: Lillian and Thelma Christianson and Ellen Marti.

Honorary casketbearers are Steve and Marie Christianson, Julie Herman, Kirsten Burrett, Avery Christianson, and Kenzie Gavle. Casketbearers are Dennis Herman, Carl Christianson, Rick Libke, Ross Christianson, and David Burrett.