Verlene was born April 14, 1936 to Harry and Hilda Schmidt in Sutton, Nebraska. She is survived by sons Ron, Tony (Nancy), Scott (Janet), all of Lincoln, daughter Connie (Tony) Peterson also of Lincoln. Grandchildren Amanda, Nick, Allison, Daniel, Shea, Andrew, and Katelyn. Great grandchildren Taylor, Kaydence, Breckin, Kensley, Bostyn, Decker, Archie, Sylvie, Noah, Charlotte, Henry, and Tucker. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Orlo Carlson and Jim Hancock, brother Lawrence, brother in-law Robert Mertz, sister in-laws Dolores Harms, Wilma Carlson, Phyllis Schmidt.
Friends since kindergarten, Verlene married Pete in 1955 and they shared a great love until his passing in 1994. A mother of four by the age of 28, Verlene had her hands full, happily realizing, she finally got it right! She was content to bowl, play bridge, and care for her family. Later, she found her niche at the March of Dimes, doing accounting and secretarial work and frequenting Ticos. She found enjoyment in her later years with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, feeling pride in their accomplishments. A kind sweet, ornery lady. She lived a full life.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 21st at First Plymouth Church, 2000 ‘D’ Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. No visitation.
Memorial to the family for future designation.