Velma Ulferts

Velma Teresa Ulferts, 60 of Grundy Center, Iowa, passed away at her home in Grundy Center on Friday, August 11, 2017. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at the Engelkes-Abels Funeral Home in Grundy Center from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private at Rose Hill Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association.

Velma was born on January 30, 1957, to her parents Merlin & Marian Sternhagen (Hillebrand). She attended Grundy Center High School and then worked at the hardware store in Grundy Center for many years. She then was married to Robert Olsen. Together they owned operated a carpet installation business in Grundy Center for many years. Robert passed away in 1998. Velma was then employed in a local factory where she met her current husband Gerry. Velma was always there to help her family and was Gerry’s rock to lean on.

Velma enjoyed shopping, craft shows and collecting antiques. She also enjoyed cooking and watching television.

Velma is survived by her husband Gerry Ulferts of Grundy Center; her step-children Trent, Trae and Tate; siblings Ruth Ann (Ray) Wilson of Grundy Center, Gerald (Kathi) Sternhagen of Grundy Center; Joan Sternhagen of Waterloo, Elaine (Mike) Costello of Waterloo, Joe (LaVonne) Sternhagen of Grundy Center, Donna Fowler of Grundy Center, Linda (Bill) Harrington of Des Moines, Roger (Jean) Sternhagen of Grundy Center, Barbara Eiklenborg of Marshalltown, Debbie (Mike) Schmidt of Marshalltown; sister-in-law Ronda Sternhagen of Holland; many nieces and nephews; and her very best friend Randi Hoffman of Grundy Center.

Velma is preceded in death by her parents; husband Robert Olsen; brothers Marvin and Ralph Sternhagen; a sister-in-law; a brother-in-law; nieces and nephews.