In the spring of 1980, Vera led 40 college students (including my sister Sylvia) on a study abroad program to France, and took my sister Julia (in high school) and me (in 8th grade) along with her, while Sy stayed in Minnesota with my three younger brothers.  During a break, Vera took Julia and me on a driving tour of the famed chateaus of the Loire Valley.  One night, after a full day of sightseeing, we went to check into our hotel.  In line in front of us was a young couple who spoke little French and did not have a reservation.  It was late and the hotel was full.  In characteristic fashion, Vera gave the couple our room without a second thought.  She then drove in the dark from town to town, seeking a place for us to stay.  In the wee hours she convinced a hotel manager to let us use empty maids' quarters that were not normally rented out to guests.  I went to sleep in a small attic room, looking at the stars through a skylight.  That night felt magical, and has stayed with me ever since as a vivid illustration of both Vera's innate generosity and her sense of adventure.

-Andre (son)

Vera and Sy were our neighbors for 25 years. They moved next door to us in the spring 1993 and our first encounter with them was when our son Eric was born in June. Vera was at the door days after Eric  was born with a gift and wonderful fresh picked strawberries from Lodermeier gardens. (I think of those strawberries every year for Eric’s birthday.). Sy and Vera were absolutely wonderful neighbors—friendly and kind, generous and helpful, a true example of a small town neighbor. I’m thankful for all the years we had with them in Kale Court! 

One of my favorite memories is Vera inviting Eric who was about 3 at the time to come over to their house to play. He went and when he came home he was soooo excited. Vera had a pull out trash receptacle that she stored flour in and she let Eric play in that flour. He loved it!  Vera was always so thoughtful and generous to both of the kids, always remembering their birthdays and holidays with gifts. She had a knack for picking out gifts that fascinated the kids.  She just recently sent Eric and his new wife, Tayler, a wedding gift; I realize now she was probably in poor health at the time but in true Vera spirit, she was thinking of others and not herself. For quite a while I thought our kids were special to Vera because we lived right next door but I discovered Vera had many children that she thought were special not just Eric and Emily. She certainly was a very generous person. Our family will always treasure our special memories of both Vera and Sy. Our sympathy and love to Sy and the entire Theisen family. 

While I had Dr. Theisen as a teacher (1959-1963) I did not meet Vera until my first wife and I returned to the St. Joseph area as teachers at St. Ben's.  Our oldest son shared some time with one of their sons and we often visited with Sy and Vera at their home.  We stayed, infrequently, in touch after we left the area in 1977 by 'phone and letter until our retirement in 2003.  My second wife and I began to visit them each time we were near St. Cloud.  There was always a plate of cookies and some very good coffee as well as fresh fruit awaiting us.  Sometimes Vera even prepared an entire and delicious meal.  There was always a warm greeting and a smile from her.  She was so hospitable and displayed genuine interest in our lives.  And she continued until just recently to reply to any email we might send their way.  The light in our lives has become a little more dim with her passing.