Velma E. Pownell, age 96, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2017, at the local hospital, surrounded by her family. She was the widow of Clinton Pownell. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Watertown. Pastor Fawn Lamb will officiate.
Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. at the church on Wednesday, prior to services. Arrangements are being handled by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown.
Burial will be at a later date at Wolsey Community Cemetery, Wolsey, SD. Honorary pallbearers will be Velma's grandchildren.
Velma was born on November 9, 1921, in Bancroft, SD, to Levi and Martha (Foote) Anderson. After graduating from Bancroft High School, Velma attended college in Aberdeen, SD, where she received her teaching certificate. She taught at rural schools for several years.
On December 23, 1944, Velma was united in marriage to Clinton Pownell at Broadland, SD. The couple farmed until 1960, when they moved to Wolsey. She worked at Passenheim Electric and was the secretary and treasurer for the City of Wolsey. Velma then worked for her husband's business, Pownell Electric Co. They were living in Gary, SD, when she retired and moved to Watertown. They enjoyed spending their summers at Pickerel Lake.
She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Letter Carriers Auxiliary and First Congregational United Church Ladies Guild. Velma enjoyed puzzles and watching the Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and Walker Texas Ranger. She was an avid Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan and loved collecting bells and going to the lake.
Velma is survived by her children: Florence Schoon of Brookings, SD, Robert (Donna) Pownell of Huron, SD, Melva Beals of Wolsey, SD, and Jack (Diane) Pownell, Darrell (Renee) Pownell and Garrell (KaLynn) Pownell, all of Watertown, SD; 25 grandchildren; numerous great and great-great grandchildren; and her son-in-law, Larry Messerschmidt.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clinton; one daughter, Pamela; three grandsons; two brothers, Clifford and Elmer; one sister, Eva; one daughter-in-law, Connie; and one son-in-law, Duane.
Service Details.
Service
When: January 3, 2018 10:00am
Location: First Congregational United Church of Christ
Address: 121 1st Avenue SE Watertown, SD 57201
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