Verna M. Quale (Salmela) age 83 of Buffalo, formerly of Delano, passed away December 10, 2022, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Verna was born May 26, 1939 to Richard and Fannie (Wanha) Salmela in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She grew up with her four siblings in Cokato, Minnesota. She graduated from Cokato High School in 1957.
Verna married the love of her life, Dennis Quale, on January 2, 1960 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. From this union, they were blessed with three children. The family moved to Delano in 1970.

Verna was a hard worker with many talents. From detasseling corn as a child, to her time as a local Burnett Realty agent, to her many years with McGlynn’s/Pillsbury. She was a very active member of the Delano community. She is a former member of the Delano City Council, Delano American Legion Auxiliary, and the Delano 4th of July Queen Committee.
Verna was affectionately known to her grandchildren as Grams. She was our light and was so loved; she will be thoroughly missed and never forgotten. Fond memories with Grandma Quale include sleepovers in our glow-in-the-dark sleeping bags, making and enjoying homemade doughnuts, after dinner ice cream sundaes while watching Wheel of Fortune and of course, playing cards. Just when we thought we were her greatest joy, she was blessed with two great-grandchildren. They were the apple of her eye.
Verna was a puzzle aficionado. She did daily crosswords, sudoku and cryptoquip. Countless games of Words with Friends (no, really, countless!) She loved watching the game show network and her nightly Wheel of Fortune. She was an avid card player. You could catch her at the Delano Wednesday euchre game at the Legion or playing 500 at her sister’s house.
Verna fought fiercely to the end and was able to check off many important 2022 family milestones.

Verna is survived by her two daughters, Robin (Tony) Rousseau, LeeAnn Oberaigner (Jeff Kowalski); five grandchildren, Brittany Oberaigner, Kelli (Todd) Kurtz, Ryan Quale (Malerie Henschel), Kami (Seth) Schnell, Connie (Dylan) Dahlheimer; two great-grandchildren Lauren Pitan, Bridger Schnell; one sister, Margaret (Muggs) Kieser. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis; infant daughter Penny; brothers Clifford, Jimmie, and Clarence (Kelly).

Memorial Service was at 1:30 pm on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the Iten Funeral Home in Delano. Visitation was held prior from 11am to 1:30pm. Inurnment at Fort Snelling at a later date. The family invites all to a luncheon at Iten’s following the service. The Memorial service was livestreamed on the Iten Funeral Home YouTube page, through the link provided below: