Verna Jostes
Saint Louis | Save
Verna Magdalena Jostes’ earthly journey came to an end on July 27, 2025, at the age of 97.
Verna was born on November 2, 1927, in New Wells, Missouri. At a young age, she moved to St. Louis to live with her godparents. As a teenager, she worked in a factory and helped support her family back home—an early sign of her lifelong generosity and strong work ethic. She later made her home in the Granite City area, where she lived for most of her life. Many may remember Verna as a retail clerk in local grocery stores.
Verna lived for her family—her daughter, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved cooking, baking, fishing, attending church, and spending time in her garden. She remained active throughout her life, and walking was one of her favorite pastimes—often seen power walking through her neighborhood well into her late eighties.
Church life was always central to Verna. She was a devoted member of Hope Lutheran Church in Granite City, attending faithfully for 72 years.
Verna was previously married twice, including to Tom Masters, and to Clinton Julian, the father of her daughter. Later in life, she was blessed to find lasting love with Jerry, with whom she shared 22 cherished years before his passing in 2023. Verna was blessed with four step children who spent many memories with her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Norma Schuessler, and her siblings: Elsie and Bernice, as well as her stepmother Ester Schuessler and her step-siblings, Helen, Eugene, Garnett.
She is survived by her daughter, Donna Polivick Hinton (Tom); grandson John Polivick (Yasmin); granddaughter April Koehler (Roger); great-grandchildren Lincoln and Hunter Polivick, and Ella and Christa Koehler. Also her step-siblings, Cletus, Shirley, and Marilynn.
Services will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, in Granite City, IL on Friday, August 1, 2025. Visitation is at 9:30 am and will continue until the funeral service begins at 11:00 am. A luncheon follows at noon.
A graveside service will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hope Lutheran Church.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.irwinchapel.com.
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home
