Vera Kezar

IRON MOUNTAIN - Vera Ruth Kezar, 85, of 1020 N. Evergreen, Iron Mountain, died at her home on Friday, Sept. 22, 2006, at 2 a.m. after a short, but courageous battle with cancer. She was born June 15, 1921, in Stephenson, to Edward and Viola (Lipke) Kezar. The family moved to Kingsford when Vera was two years old. Vera was a graduate of Kingsford High School, class of 1938. In 1939, she graduated from the Upper Peninsula School of Beauty Culture and worked in the field locally for a few years. In 1946, she entered nursing school at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, graduating with an AD degree in 1948. In 1953, she graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor of science degree in nursing. She returned to Iron Mountain and worked as Nurse and Utilization coordinator at the Veterans Administration Medical Center for 32 years, retiring in 1986. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Kingsford. She also belonged to the Eastern Star and, during their pasty season, each Thursday would find her at the Masonic Temple making and delivering pasties by the hundreds. Vera was also a member of The Chippewa Club, Pine Grove Country Club, GFWC-Iron Mountain/Kingsford, Navy Memorial Foundation of Washington, D.C., and local quilting and painting clubs. She joined Pine Grove Country Club while in her teens and held the oldest continuous membership. Her interests were varied. She enjoyed golfing, gardening, painting, sewing, woodworking, quilting, needlepoint, and travel. During the course of her many trips, she visited 61 countries and all seven continents. Survivors include her adopted family, Jim and Joan Flood, Jodie and Dan Howell, Bruce and Shari Bellchambers, Kim and Peter Swanson, and Dr. James Flood; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Also surviving are a niece, Bonnie Sue Mayes, a nephew, David Kezar, a cousin, Norma Croft and other great-nieces and nephews. Also surviving are special friends, Linda and Robert Hendrickson and Karen and Roger Sufka. Her parents and two brothers preceded her in death. The family will greet friends at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The Order of the Eastern Star will conduct a memorial service at 3 p.m. on Sunday followed by the funeral service. Pastor Jim Nephew will officiate. Burial will take place in Stephenson Township Cemetery in Stephenson. Memorials may be directed to the Vera Ruth Kezar Scholarship Fund at Pine Mountain Christian School. Condolences may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Vera Kezar

September 22, 1921 - September 22, 2006