Obituary of Verna Noreen Baird

Verna N. Baird Verna N. Baird, 82, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 6, at her home. Verna was born on Feb. 21, 1930, in Fort Atkinson, to Burnell and Alma (Harnack) Miller. In 1932 the family moved to the Milton area where she graduated from Milton Union High School in 1947. She was employed at Bettersox Knitting Mill for a short time, then at W. D. Hoard and Sons Co. where she met her future husband, James, also an employee. They were married on June 18, 1950, at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Atkinson. After their children were in school she was employed at the Fort Reminder until 1991. Verna enjoyed her yard and garden, especially the flowers, and she delighted in growing plants from the small seeds she nurtured. She was an avid reader and also spent much of her leisure time knitting for preemie babies, becoming a volunteer knitter for several Madison and Milwaukee hospitals. Area nursing homes benefited from her knitted lap robes. She took great joy in her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The cookie jar was always full at Grandma�s house. In recent years she also enjoyed following the Milwaukee Brewers. Verna was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fort Atkinson. Survivors include her husband, James; son, Perry (Marcia) Baird, daughter, Paula (Rick) Schroeder, and son, Steven (Lois) Baird, all of Fort Atkinson; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Colin (Stacey) Baird and daughters, Charlotte and Ella of Luxemburg, Wis., Bridget (Sira) Nsibirwa and son, Gavin, of Fort Atkinson, Drew (Christine) Baird and children Zachary and Hannah, of Harker Heights, Tex., Lesley Baird and Hillary Baird both of Madison, and Joelle Baird of Grand Canyon Village, Ariz.; step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, Jason (Erin) Rauber and children Blake, Atley and Hadyn, Emily Rauber and daughter Lily, Angelina Nsibirwa, Lisa Schroeder and John Garvoille and their son, Colton, and Terri (Sean) Connery and their daughters, Alysha and Hailey; other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Virginia Schwartzlow; and an infant brother. Memorial services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 320 S. Main St., Fort Atkinson, on Friday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Russell Frees officiating. A luncheon will follow in Fellowship Hall. Visitation will take place from 9:30 until the time of services. Burial will be at Vernon Reformed Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Big Bend, Wis., at a later date. Nitardy Funeral Home in Fort Atkinson, Wis., is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, those planning to give memorials may wish to consider Rainbow Hospice or the Humane Society of Jefferson County. The family extends its gratitude to all Verna�s caregivers from Rainbow Hospice and also to Shelley and Randy Hoefs for helping Verna and Jim in so many special ways.