Verona Ann Gravich left us on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at her home in Mora, MN from Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and a rare disease called Vanishing Bile Duct Syndrome. She was 77 years old.

She was born on April 7, 1948 in Virginia, MN to Laurie and Esther (Kutsi) Niskala. Verona attended Horace Mann Elementary and was a member of Zion Finnish Lutheran in Virginia where she was confirmed. She enjoyed taking piano lessons, playing the clarinet in band and marching in parades, and she loved to dance, especially the Lindy with her husband, Mark. Verona graduated from Roosevelt High School in Virginia, MN in 1966. She graduated with a B.S. in teaching from the University of Minnesota - Duluth in June of 1970, and married the love of her life, Mark, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Virginia, MN. They celebrated 55 years of marriage in July of 2025.

She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her love of family, faith, teaching and friends.

Verona was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Mora and served many roles: a retired member of the church choir, served one term on the church council, a money counter for 20 years, and a funeral lady. She also served on the MAYRA Board of Directors. After retirement from teaching in 2005, she became a member of the Vasaloppet serving on the Board of Directors for six years, being in charge of the awards for the ski races and working on canoe race and bike race days.

Verona's passions were teaching for 35 years at Ogilvie Elementary, 500 Card Club, counting money at church, church Salad Luncheons, hosting a table at the Christmas Tea, Vasaloppet Boards of Directors, Lit Ladies' Book Club, Yoga Class, traveling the U.S and world, recreational golf, walking and breakfast with friends, spring months in Palm Desert, Arizona and Florida, serving at funerals, working the Harvest Bazaar, attending her five grandchildren's' sporting events, celebrating family birthdays and holidays, family time at Lake Vermillion, being with family and friends, and working in the yard.

Verona was preceded in death by her parents, Laurie and Esther (Kutsi) Niskala and brother, Harvey Niskala.

She is survived by her husband, Mark, daughter Faye (Mark) Kritzeck and grandsons, Jack and Charlie; son, Peter (Jessica) Gravich and grandchildren, Hannah, Elizabeth and Cole all of Mora; niece, Michelle (Niskala) and Doug Tercero of Palm Desert, CA; cousin, Ron (Michelle) Maki of Cook, MN; cousin, Lynn (Hannula) and Lee Phillips of Cook, MN; cousin, Matt Hannula of Duluth; cousin, Dennis (Marilyn) Moisio of Waukeegan, IL; and many other cousins and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 11:00AM at Grace Lutheran Church in Mora, Minnesota.  There will be a visitation on Friday, April 24 from 5:00-7:00PM at the Dresser Methven Funeral Home in Mora, Minnesota, as well as one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services, Dresser Methven Chapel, Mora, Minnesota www.methvenfuneralhome.com