Mrs. Verna Lee Trepka

Verna L. Trepka (September 7, 1934 – October 28, 2014) Verna L. Trepka, a longtime resident of Bartlesville, lost her too short battle with pancreatic cancer on October 28, 2014. It is with much gratitude and honor that we celebrate her life. Verna was born the daughter of Alfred and Lydia (Srajhans) Slepicka on September 7, 1934. The oldest of five children, Verna grew up on a farm near Tobias, Nebraska. She lived with her aunt in town while attending Geneva High school where she sang in the glee club and played the saxophone. It was while playing in a local polka dance band that she met William (Bill) James Trepka, who courted her in between sets. When not playing music, she worked as an executive secretary at the Crete Mills. Bill and Verna were married on June 1, 1955 in Crete, Nebraska and moved to Ames, Iowa where Verna supported Bill as he pursued his doctoral degree at Iowa State University. While in Ames they celebrated the birth of their first child, William David (’58). In October of 1960, Verna and Bill moved to Bartlesville to pursue work with Phillips Petroleum Company, at which time Verna began a life of service to the community, while raising her family that would expand to include daughter Janet Lee (’68) and son John Charles (’71). While her family was the center of her universe, civic engagement was another of Verna’s passions. She served as a docent at the Frank Phillips Home for more than thirty years, logged over 5000 volunteer hours with the Jane Phillips (Hosptial) Society, was a founding Trustee with the Bartlesville Public School Foundation, and enjoyed participating in the Bartlesville Garden Club; while always attending and assisting with the numerous sporting, music, scouting, and other activities of Bill, Janet, and John. A patron of the arts, Verna enjoyed attending and supporting community concert and theater events. A creative entrepreneur, Verna owned an in-home printing and typing business and was the co-owner of a tour business that explored local and regional culture and history. At one time she worked as the pastoral secretary at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, where she also held many volunteer roles including, most recently, baking the communion bread and coordinating the NOAH Retirees program. Verna dedicated her life to helping individuals and organizations reach their potential. A quiet leader, she was a role model for grace, humility, and humor and a friend to many. Verna is preceded in death by her parents, eldest son, Bill, and brother-in-law, Robert Trepka. She is survived by her husband, Bill; daughter-in-law Sandy Trepka of Bartlesville, granddaughter Kelsey Trepka of Chicago, Illinois, and granddaughter Jessica Trepka Hoyt and husband DJ of Madison, Wisconsin; daughter Janet Trepka Marling and husband David, grandsons Jackson and Cooper, and granddaughter Andersen Lee of Dahlonega, Georgia; and son John Trepka and wife Katsuyo, granddaughter Kyoka, and grandson Kazuhide of Brooklyn, New York. She is also survived by her brother Marvin Slepicka and wife Donna of Friend, Nebraska; sister Carol Eberspacher and husband Darrel of Seward, Nebraska; sister Alfrieda and husband Jerry of Lincoln, Nebraska; brother Alan and wife Nancy of Dorchester, Nebraska; sister-in-law Judy Trepka of Woodbury, Minnesota; eighteen nieces and nephews; and more than 40 great nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life services will be held 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2014, at Good Shepherd Church in Bartlesville with Rev. Dale P. Scott officiating. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Good Shepherd Endowment Fund or the Frank Phillips Home (call for specific details).

Mrs. Verna Lee Trepka

September 7, 1934 - October 28, 2014