Verna (Sorum) Watts

Verna Eleva (Sorum) Watts, age 95, formerly of Preston, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2021. She was born to Ilot and Esther Sorum on March 7, 1926, at their farm home near Lanesboro, Minn. 

She graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1944. She attended a one-year program at Winona Business College. She worked as a secretary for the Fillmore County Agricultural Extension Service in Preston, Minn. While working there, she met her future husband, Wendell Watts, a local dairy farmer. They were married June 6, 1948.

Verna learned to sew from her mother. She became an accomplished seamstress, making many of her own clothes. This fashion foundation later led to Verna opening several fabric and bridal retail stores in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Her flagship store, Brides N’ Belles in Reedsburg, Wis., continues today. Her Christian heritage taught Verna early in life the importance of prayer for forgiveness, joy, peace and hope for eternal life. She was a witness for Jesus Christ in the family, church, and communities she lived in.

Survivors include her husband of 73 years, Wendel; four children: Kristine (Dale) Hellickson of St. Cloud, Minn., Karen (Tom) Gibson of East Bethel, Minn., Garry (Debbie) Watts of Winona, Minn., and Wesley (Ann) Watts of Owatonna, Minn.; 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 7, at Abounding Joy Lutheran Church, 6000 County Road 120, St. Cloud, Minn. 56303. Visitation will be at 10 a.m., with the service at 11 a.m.