Lisa Mary (Verdeck) Cunningham

Lisa Mary Cunningham, 63, of rural Newton died on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. A celebration of her life will be held from 4-6 p.m., Monday April 15, at the Hy-Vee Market Grill. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Izaak Walton League may be left at the celebration or the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

The following obituary was written by Lisa……..

If you’re reading this, it finally happened. I died. It was inevitable of course, but a little too soon and way too final. Not much one can do about it other than leave a bit of myself behind to be spread around the acreage where I spent so many happy years. Just make sure whoever spreads my ashes is downwind.

I was born July 7, 1960 to Raymond and Barbara (Willett) Verdeck, and grew up until the age of 12 on a farm outside the small town of Hartwick, Iowa. It wasn’t an easy life for my parents, but they made a good life for us kids. In 1972, my father bought the farm he was born on and built a new house. This, unbeknownst to me at the time, would be the only period in my life I had central air and a dishwasher.

Coming of age in the 70’s was wonderful. My sense of humor was defined by Monty Python, Mel Brooks and Saturday Night Live. Marijuana wasn’t legal then, but it was plentiful and fun! When I was just shy of 16, I met my husband Dale while scooping the loop in Grinnell. He asked me out the next day, and that is when I first became aware of something called “chemistry” between people. We hit it off that first date and have been together ever since.

After earning my AA degree in Graphic Arts and honing my social skills partying with friends, I got hired at Newton Mfg. Co. as a typesetter. I spent 18 years working as an artist and designer. After leaving, I worked in print shops, ad agencies, sign manufacturers and photo studios, eventually starting my own business, freelancing until finally retiring. My career allowed me to perform many roles as a graphic artist, and in the process, work with many fine people. I am grateful I was able to work in a field I loved. 

In 1987, Dale and I moved to the country where we picked up on farm life again. We raised lots of animals and worked side-by-side to restore the place. One of our first purchases was an old refrigerator Dale transformed into a kegerator. Sometimes it’s the little things in life that make each day a joy. It was the beginning of our lifelong love affair with beer and we were fortunate to live through the renaissance of the craft beer industry. Our lives in the country have been filled with countless good times, sitting on our porch or patio, enjoying the company of friends, family and a large array of pets and animals. At our house, the bar was always open.

Throughout our lives we’ve shared a connection that is rare, enjoying each other’s company above others. So many good times spent canoeing, camping, playing splat ball, softball, volleyball, scuba diving, snow skiing, boating, playing cards, pool and road tripping. I was passionate about politics, loved to cook, garden and enjoyed a good book. Until my cancer diagnosis, my health was always good and I’m extremely grateful for that.

At some point, you’ll all join me wherever I’m at. Until then, I leave behind my husband, Dale, my brother, Jeff (Cathy) Verdeck and my sister, Julie (LaVerne) Bartachek as well as my nieces and nephews and their children.

I’ve had the best life a person could ask for. For those who knew me, I hope that I was a good friend, a good listener and made you laugh. Thank you all for being my friend. Now go have a beer on me!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lisa Mary (Verdeck) Cunningham, please visit our floral store.