Verna's Funeral Mass Video Link

Verna M. Stilen passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Forest Glen Assisted Living, Seymour, Wisconsin on her 87th birthday. Verna Mae (Finger) Stilen was born on May 13, 1939, to the late Marion and Almira (Young) Finger. She graduated from Bear Creek High School and worked for a short time at the glove factory in Clintonville. She married James C. Stilen on April 23, 1960 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bear Creek, Wisconsin, and together they raised five children. While their children were young, she was a stay-at-home mom, however, during the summers she gardened, supervised the pickle plantation and sorted cabbage plants for Lambert Young. After all her children were in school, she worked at Curwood/Bemis in New London until her retirement. She enjoyed hunting, trap shooting – where she won many awards, traveling with her husband Jim, and spending time with family. Verna was a life-long member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bear Creek. She was a living example of faith and inner strength.

She is survived by her children, Frank (Kris) Stilen, Al (Kay) Stilen, Larry (fiancé Carol Koplien) Stilen, Linda (Dan) Gretzinger, and Kathy (Shawn) Bazile; nine grandchildren, Amanda (Cory) Henrickson, Joey (Bergetta) Stilen, Andy (Mary) Stilen, Josh (Brittany) Stilen, Jeremiah Stilen, Jamie Bernard, April (Bryan) Langhoff, Justin (Kaylynn) Gretzinger, and Bridget Bazile; along with 16 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild on the way; siblings, Sister Michele Finger of Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross and Karen (Don) Sorenson; sister-in-law, Violet Stilen; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Verna was preceded in death by her husband, James; her parents, Marion and Almira Finger; siblings, Duane (Maude) Finger, Leon (Carol) Finger, Bernice (Sonny) Vollmer, Eunice (Jim) Lehman, Joan (Leroy) Christensen; her in-laws, George and Ruth Stilen; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lavern Stilen (in childhood), Marian (Ted) Doehling, Tom Stilen, Janet Stilen, and George (Christine) (Diane) Stilen.

The family would like to thank the many relatives and friends for their support during this trying time. The family wishes to also extend a special thank you to everyone at Forest Glen Assisted Living for their kind and professional care during her time there.

The Funeral Service for Verna will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bear Creek, with Deacon Joe Lehman officiating. Visitation will be held at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. and also at the church on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at the Parish Cemetery.