Vera H. Bachman

Vera H. Bachman, 92, of Garner, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Concord Care Center.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 16, 2025, at Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner with Rev. Brian Lund officiating. Burial will be at Concord Township Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday at Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. 4th St., Garner and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Vera Hazel Bachman, the daughter of Aaron and Rose (Vondracek) Simmons, was born June 21, 1932, on a farm east of Garner. She attended country school near her home and graduated from Garner High School in 1950. On October 22, 1950, she married Martin Bachman at Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme. They farmed east of Garner until 1970, when they moved to their farm north of Garner. In 2000, Vera and Martin retired from farming and in 2002 moved into town. She enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends and going to casinos. After Mart’s passing, Vera cherished outings with friends and monthly “cousin” lunches at Pizza Ranch. These times gave her something to look forward to as she adjusted to life without her husband. Always there for her was her best friend since kindergarten, Gwen Pearson.

Grandma Hazelnut (as her great grandkids called her) was a constant presence at their sporting events, concerts, and awards ceremonies. She especially loved watching basketball and volleyball, proudly wearing her photo buttons to every game. When possible, Vera listened to the kid’s baseball, softball, and football games on the radio. The bulletin board in her house was always filled with newspaper clippings and photos of the family. The great grandkids always took pride in “making it on the board” at grandma’s house.

In 2023, Vera sat for a 5-generation photo. She was very fortunate to have the majority of her family living close to her. Her great-great-granddaughter, Eleanor, is the seventh generation of Vera’s family to reside in Hancock County.

She was a member of Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church and Women’s Fellowship.

Vera is survived by her three children, Julia (Tom) Schultz of Garner, Darla (Jeff) Mallas of Ogden and Marty (Yvette) Bachman of Garner; eight grandchildren, Angie (Scott) Van Dusseldorp, Tara (Tim) Eisenlohr, Joe Schultz, Tom (Heather) Hartwig, Tad (Mallory) Hartwig, Martin Nicholas Bachman, Samuel Bachman and Colton (Brittany) Bachman; 16 great grandchildren, Jack (Paige) Van Dusseldorp and their daughter, Eleanor, Rafe Van Dusseldorp, Emily Van Dusseldorp, Teagen Eisenlohr, Tatem Eisenlohr, Talon Eisenlohr, Tenley Eisenlohr, Treysen Eisenlohr, Abe Schultz, Reid Hartwig, Bryson Hartwig, Piper Hartwig, Gwen Hartwig, Rook Hartwig, Layton Bachman and Nolan Bachman; her brother, Rev. Aaron (Corlis) Simmons; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Martin, Nov. 30, 2012; her parents; and two grandsons, Caleb Van Dusseldorp and Cade Hartwig.