Verena Teresa (Eckstein) Fette, 93, of New Alsace, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born and raised in St. Nicholas, Verena carried with her the values of hard work, faith, family, and kindness throughout her life. When she met Raymond, she knew he was the love of her life and they were married after a short courtship. Together, they built a home filled with laughter and the surprising challenges of raising their nine children.
Verena treated her family to a home cooked meal nightly and loved to bake delicious treats for them. She taught all her children how to raise their own food with her high garden and spent countless hours canning the fruits of her labor. She loved crafting and created many blankets for countless new babies leaving behind treasured keepsakes that will continue to warm generations. An avid bowler and fisherman, Verena enjoyed many years on the lanes and near the water. She often joked that “nothing ever hurt when she bowled,” and she proudly caught her last fish at the remarkable age of 93. She also had a special appreciation for nature, especially birds. Even as her hearing declined, she could somehow always hear the gentle call of the turtle doves.
Verena cherished quiet moments in the swing or on her front porch, but she was happiest when surrounded by people. She was a wonderful listener, someone family and friends naturally turned to for comfort, advice, or simply a conversation. Her home was a gathering place where family and friends came together to play cards, celebrate holidays, and enjoy each other’s company. Halloween was always a favorite, as she and her husband delighted everyone by dressing up for the occasion.
Following her husband’s passing, Verena continued to embrace life with remarkable spirit. She loved traveling with her senior ladies’ group, making new friends wherever she went. She was a proud member of the Ladies Auxiliary and remained active in her community for many years. Verena was known for making “to-do” lists for her children, ensuring everything was taken care of. She also had a soft spot for her beloved Yorkshire Terrier, Charlie, who happily enjoyed far more treats than he probably should have.
Above all, Verena’s greatest joy was her family. Her family will forever remember her warm smile, her compassionate ear, her endless hospitality, and the love she poured into every stitch, every meal, every garden, and every moment shared together.
Verena will be deeply missed by her children Larry (Pam) Fette, Regina (Luke) Fullenkamp, Monica (Bud) Honnert, Anthony (Michelle) Fette, Maurita (John) Weber, Joe (Shelly) Fette, son-in-law Kenny Gaynor, Annette (Ron) Meier, Patricia (Rick) Giltner; 26 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren with more on the way; siblings Fr. Frank Eckstein, Walter (Joan) Eckstein, Matilda (Don) Nordmeyer. She is preceded in death by husband, Raymond; daughter Connie Gaynor; grandson Derek Giltner; siblings Albert (Betty) Eckstein, Cornelius (Jean) Eckstein, Stella (Johnny) Doerflein, Eddie (Thelma) Eckstein, Alice (Walter) Wuestefeld; and parents Amond and Mary (Federle) Eckstein.
Services honoring Verena will be held on Friday, July 31 at St. Paul’s Campus of All Saints Parish. Rosary will begin at 2:30pm followed visitation until 3:45pm at which time a family member will offer a eulogy and words of remembrance. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 4:00 and a private graveside service will immediately follow in the church cemetery. For those unable to attend, Mass will be live streamed at
https://www.youtube.com/user/aspweeklyhomily. Memorials can be made to Shriners Children’s and will be accepted at the visitation or can be mailed to the funeral home. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.