Verna Sittko, age 94, of Ada, MN, died Saturday, May 11, 2013, at Bridges Care Community in Ada.

Verna Clara Pauline Baumgarten, the daughter of Herman and Alma (Pierson) Baumgarten, was born on February 8, 1919 north of Ada. She grew up on rural farms in Norman County and attended country school. As a young woman, Verna helped at home as well as worked for neighboring farmers. In particular, she worked picking potatoes for Clarence Sittko which soon sparked into love. Verna moved with her family to Illinois, where she served as housekeeper to a wealthy family all while keeping in contact with Clarence back home. She returned home to the Ada area and on August 20, 1941 Verna and Clarence were united in marriage. The couple made their home on a farm near Borup, MN and was blessed with two children. In the early 1960's they moved throughout Minnesota and North Dakota due to Clarence's construction career. After retirement in the mid-1970's they built a home in Twin Valley, MN. In 1999, they returned to Ada and on August 5, 2000 Clarence passed away. Verna has since made her home at Bridges Care Community where she touched the lives of many.

Verna had a true passion for flowers. She was an avid gardener and won many county fair awards for both her flowers and canning. Verna was a past member of the Twin Valley Garden Club and a member of Faith United Church in Ada. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Verna was blessed to make her home at Bridges Care Community and the family prefers memorials be given there in her memory.

Verna is survived by her children, Curtis (Jani) of Detroit Lakes, MN, and Wanda (Garry) Genzlinger of Granite Bay, CA; six grandchildren: Jason, Jamie, Chad, Jeffrey, Jarron, and Danielle; nine great grandchildren: McKenna, Peyton, Chad, Casey, Chase, Emmett, Ella, Lucy, and Ivy; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Alma; her husband, Clarence; one grandson, Jonathan; one sister, Bertha; and one brother, Donald.

Funeral Services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at Bridges Care Community Chapel, Ada. Visitation was held one hour prior to the funeral. Officiating was Pastor Karen Finnegan with Solveig Kitchell serving as organist.

Interment took place at Ada City Cemetery.