Vera Gjelsvik

Vera Louise (Bradley) Gjelsvik, age 85 years, a former resident of rural Simpson, Illinois, passed away Friday morning, August 19, 2022, at 1:12 AM at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah, Kentucky. Vera was born June 11, 1937 at the family home, near Simpson. She was the first of three children born to Howard and Hazel (Robinson) Bradley. She attended McKee Grade School in Simpson, IL, and was a 1954 graduate of Vienna High School. On November 17, 1955, Vera was united in marriage to Finn Andersen Gjelsvik in Corinth, Mississippi. He preceded her in death June 11, 2009. Survivors include: a daughter - Sonja (Kevin) Detweiler of Jackson, Missouri; a son - David Gjelsvik (Marilyn) of Anna, IL; a sister - Charlotte (Mason) Montgomery of Cypress, IL; a brother - Jim (Debbie) Bradley of Vienna, IL; 3 grandchildren – Shaya Marie Jackson of Mt. Vernon, IL; Jordan (Stacy) Detweiler of Jackson, MO; and Faith Anne (Dylan) Woodall of Marquand, MO; 5 great grandchildren – Ethan and Riley Bevis of Mt. Vernon, IL; Jaci and Samuel Detweiler of Jackson, MO, and Easton Lane Woodall of Marquand, MO.; one niece – Marcia (John) Wells of Cypress, IL; 4 nephews – Todd (Jodi) Montgomery of Vienna, IL, Dustin (Lisa) Bradley of, Terre Haute, IN; Derek (Amber) Bradley of Scott City, MO; Jared Johnson of Florida; 6 great nieces – Abby, Alivia, Emma, Audrey, Charlotte and Maddie; 3 great nephews – Israel, Isaac, and Jase; cousins and many special friends. Vera enjoyed many jobs throughout the years. Her first job was at the Cooperative Extension, Home Economics in Vienna, IL. Then in 1974, she began her career with the Illinois Department of Corrections at the Vienna Correctional Center. She began as a Food Supervisor and retired in 1991 as a Dietary Manager. After her retirement, she opened a local restaurant, Pizza Pizzazz, in Vienna, IL. Vera also enjoyed decorating cakes in the bakery at Sam’s IGA in Vienna, IL. Vera had many interests. She loved gospel music, especially the old hymns, scrapbooking, cake decorating, flower arranging and painting. She also loved making gift baskets and cards for people in need. She was a faithful and devoted member of the Glendale Apostolic Church and served in several positions. She was the president of GALA (Glendale Apostolic Ladies Auxiliary) for as many years as her health would allow. Many lives have been touched by this ministry. She dearly loved the Lord, her family, and her church family and was a blessing to everyone who knew her. A service honoring the life of Vera Louise Bradley Gjelsvik will be conducted Tuesday morning, August 23, 2022, at 11 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Relatives and church family members are cordially invited to attend. Private interment will be in the Gilead Cemetery, near Simpson, Illinois. Memorials may be made to Teen Challenge (Greater Midwest Chapter), 2400 N. 8th Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or online at www.teenchallengeuse.org

Vera Gjelsvik

June 11, 1937 - August 19, 2022