Vera Hauf

A memorial service for Vera Hauf was held on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Don Windsperger officiating. Inurnment will be in the Colome City Cemetery in Colome, SD, at a later date. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Vera Mae (Condon) Hauf was born in Winner, SD, on January 10, 1937, to Harold and Emma (Goodman) Condon. She was joined by two brothers, Donald and Monte. Vera went to country school through the eighth grade and was a graduate of Colome High School Class of 1955. A woman of immense strength and character, Vera was known for her hard work, her love of family, and her cooking. She worked for many years as the cook for the Colome School District, where her homemade meals became a local legend. Students and faculty alike looked forward to the comfort of Vera’s kitchen, knowing they were in for a treat every time they saw “soup” on the menu.

Vera’s culinary talents extended far beyond the school cafeteria. For years she cooked on Thursday nights where she took charge of the kitchen at the Colome American Legion. Vera’s cooking was more than just a skill - it was a gift, and she shared it freely with all who crossed her path.

Vera and LaMoine spent many winters in Texas, where they made lasting friendships with people they met along the way. Despite the challenges of aging, Vera continued to crochet handmade items, and though her eyesight eventually made this difficult, her creations will be treasured by those who received them.

Vera passed away at home on November 11, 2024, at the age of 87 years. Vera is survived by LaMoine, her husband of 35 years; her daughter Christina Luebke of Inver Grove Heights, MN; daughters-in-law, Teresa Duley, Marina Duley, and Kristi Bender; along with many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by four of her children: Darrell Duley, Thomas Duley, Kathy Hutton, and Andrew Bender; her mother Emma and father Harold; and both of her brothers, Monte and Donald (Butch).

As Vera always reminded us, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift.” Take this to heart - hug your loved ones, forgive any grievances, and cherish every moment, for none of us knows what tomorrow may bring.