Mrs. Velma H. Meierhofer, age 65, of Kimball died Saturday, May 29, 2004 at home after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 3, 2004 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Marty with Msgr. Daniel Taufen officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9-10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Kimball. There will be a prayer service 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral chapel in Kimball.

Velma Helen Meierhofer was born January 25, 1939 in Watkins to John and Rose (Salzer) Schackmann. She married Francis Meierhofer August 16, 1958 in St. Anthony`s Catholic Church, Watkins. Velma worked for St. John`s University and the College of St. Benedict for eight years. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Marty. Velma will always be remembered for her energy, gardening, canning, and cooking. She loved flowers and the beauty of her farm. The precious time she spent with her family and grandchildren was very important to her.

Velma is survived by her husband, Francis of Kimball; sons, Daniel (Marie) of Golden Valley and Robert (Marcie) of Woodbury; daughters, Cheryl (Jim) Protas of Ham Lake and Julie (Matthew) Maruska of Eden Prairie; and nine grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Jim Beckius.

Pallbearers will be Jim and Matthew Protas, Jason Meierhofer, Jim and Brooke Schmitz and Matt Maruska. Music for the funeral provided by Bernice Maruska, Robert Meierhofer, and Marie Meierhofer.

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