Bernadine Vering

Bernadine Kieffer Vering, 88, of Leawood, Kansas, formerly of Marysville, Kansas, died Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO. Visitation was Friday, August 2, from Noon until 8:00 p.m. at Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville. A rosary service was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 3 at St. Gregory's Catholic Church in Marysville, with the funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. Father Merlin Kieffer and Father Joseph Kieffer officiated. Rosemary Forst played the organ while the church choir sang “I Am the Resurrection”, “Fill My Cup Lord”, “On Eagles Wings”, “How Great Thou Art” and “Prayer of St. Francis”. The pallbearers were Dennis Leis, Chris Meyer, Greg Vering, Chris Vering, Brad Heiman and Mike Kieffer. Burial was in St. Gregory's Cemetery in Marysville. Bernadine was born July 19, 1925, in Clifton, KS, the daughter of Peter and Anna (Esslinger) Kieffer. She graduated from Junction City High School and went on to attend St. Joseph’s nursing school in Kansas City, KS. She married John Vering Jr. on June 1, 1949. Shortly after their wedding, they moved to the Vering family farm, three miles south of Marysville on the East River Road. John died February 12, 1987. Bernadine worked as a nurse at Community Memorial Hospital from 1966 until 1987, primarily in the surgery recovery unit. She then moved to Overland Park and lived in The Country Club, (later renamed The Grand Court) independent living facility. While there she was given an award by Johnson County for her outstanding service to the paramedics who she assisted in responding to emergency calls at The Grand Court. Bernadine loved to travel. On her international trips she visited the Vatican in Rome, the Taj Mahal in India, the Pyramids in Egypt, Fatima in Portugal, and numerous countries including Sweden, Turkey, Greece, and Mexico. She loved to stop in foreign churches and attend Mass. She also enjoyed golfing, swimming, gardening and playing billiards. Survivors include one daughter, Sharon Vering Gerdes, Monument, CO; and three sons, John A Vering III, Kansas City, MO; Robert Vering, Salina, KS; and Ron Vering, Overland Park, KS. Bernadine is also survived by her sister, Marjorie Leis, Wichita, KS; and three brothers, Robert Kieffer, Bremerton, WA, Rev. Merlin Kieffer, Manhattan, KS, Charles Kieffer, Strawberry Plains, TN, nine grandchildren, Julia Vering, Cathy Vering Bowers, Mary Ann Vering, Chandra Heiman, Kiley Bishop, Shawn Gerdes, Jeffrey Gerdes, Stephen Peterson, and Stephanie Peterson, and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John, two infant sons, David and Peter, infant daughter, Ann, and her brother, Alvin Kieffer. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Gregory's Catholic School, 207 N. 14th St., Marysville, KS. 66508 or to St. Gregory’s Cemetery % St. Gregory’s Catholic Church at 1310 Carolina St., Marysville, KS, and can also be sent in care of Kinsley Mortuary in Marysville. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bernadine Vering, please visit our flower store.