Velma Jean Backer

NORFOLK — Velma Jean Backer, 90, Norfolk, died April 19, 2020, at the Meadows, Norfolk.

There was a restricted visitation April 23 at Johnson Funeral Home, Randolph.

Private family funeral services were April 24 at Saint Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, Randolph, with Rev. Father Timothy Forget and Deacon Doug Tunink officiating.

Interment was in Saint Jane Frances Catholic Cemetery, Randolph.

Pallbearers were Seth Staroscik, Mark Griffis, Tom Adams, Anthony Backer, Dean Wattier and Francis Kurtzhal.

Honorary pallbearers were all of Velma’s grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Velma was born March 12, 1930, at Pierce, to Karll and Esther (Raduenz) Schellpeper. She attended Pierce County District #64 near Pierce. Velma worked as a domestic helper “nanny” for many years around Pierce, beginning when she was 13 years old.

Velma married Tony John Backer Nov. 17, 1949, at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, Randolph. The couple farmed their whole married life near Randolph, moving to Randolph in 1990. Velma’s husband, Tony, died in 2004. She moved to The Meadows in July 2017.

Velma enjoyed cooking, gardening, canning, card playing and Christian Mothers.

Her memberships include St. Frances de Chantal Catholic Church in Randolph; Christian Mothers; Parish Council of Catholic Women, serving as past president of circle #3, now committee #1; Pierce County Extension Kountry Klub; Colonial Manor Auxiliary; taught C.C.D. at St. Frances for two years; and was a past member of the Birthday Club.

Surviving are her nine children, Dave and Peggy Backer, Broadwater; Marilyn and Jim Hope, Madison, S.D.; Vera and Ron Wacker, Hartington; Douglas and Roseanne Backer, Randolph; Linda and Kelly Tramp, Norfolk; Ida and Pat Mrsny, Norfolk; Diane and Joel Lapour, Norfolk; Dennis and Shelly Backer, Randolph; Brian and Alcira Backer, Las Cruces, N.M.; 20 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Van Ert, Grants Pass, Ore., and Elaine Bermel, Randolph; and one brother, Merlin and Joyce Schellpeper, Grants Pass, Ore.

Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, Tony, Jan. 13, 2004; one infant grandson, Joseph Carl Backer; two infant brothers, Leonard and Milton; and one sister, Adeline.

Family requests Christian Mothers and Parish members to say a rosary for Velma this week.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Randolph Senior Center.