Verna Mildred Virginia Risku, age 85 a lifelong resident of Virginia passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2015 in the care of the Solvay Hospice House. She was born June 26, 1929 in Virginia the daughter of John and Saima (Kallio) Jaakola and was a 1947 graduate of Virginia Roosevelt high school. Verna married Arvid Risku on June 6, 1953 in Virginia. She was employed as a nurse's aide and then as an LPN for Arrowhead Nursing Home and later the Virginia Regional Medical Center. Verna was an active member of Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church, its Ruth Circle, served as a Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, past Council Member, Eucharistic Minister, Harvest Fair volunteer, and has sung in the Choir since age 11. She was a member of Soinnuttaren Tupa #32 of Virginia; served as the Grand Lodge Archivist for the Ladies of Kaleva; and was the Secretary for the Minnesota Suomi Conference. Verna enjoyed knitting and jigsaw puzzles; and was an avid sports fan.
Verna is survived by children: Dave (Karen) Risku of Albuquerque, NM, Dan (Cyndy) Risku of Virginia Beach, VA and Donna (Bob) Ribich of Gladstone, MI; granddaughters: Nicole, Ashley (Matt), Alex and Sofia; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Arvid in 1999; brothers: Arne Maki and Bernie Jaakola; and granddaughter: Kathryn Ribich.
Visitation will be held Saturday, January 24, 2015 from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Funeral Service at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church in Virginia. Pastor Nathan Sager will officiate. Interment will take place in the Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia.
Memorials may be directed to St. Michael's Health and Rehabilitation Center Foundation or the Ladies of Kaleva.
Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. Condolences may be shared at www.baumanfuneralhome.com .

Visitation 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. ,Saturday, January 24, 2015
Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church
901 3rd Street South Virginia, MN 55792
Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. ,Saturday, January 24, 2015
Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church
901 3rd Street South Virginia, MN 55792
Interment Monday, January 26, 2015
Greenwood Cemetery
1126 North 9th Street Virginia, MN 55792