In Columbus City, Iowa on August 23, 1920, Velma was born to Harold Merton and Viola Merle (Smith) Schabilion. She graduated with the class of 1937 from Columbus Junction High School. Velma continued her education at American Institute of Commerce in Davenport, Iowa.
She was joined in marriage to Michael J. Slofkosky on July 4, 1946. They were blessed with four children: Carolyn, Larry, Paul, and Kenneth.
Together the couple owned and operated Slofkosky Hardware in Lovilia, Iowa from 1946-1970. Michael passed away in 1970.
She worked from 1975-1984 at the First Financial Savings and Loan in Albia, Iowa and achieved the position of office manager.
Velma was married to John Schleier from 1980 until his death in 1983. She married Larry Mishler in 2003, moved to Knoxville, and remained with him until he passed away in 2008.
She is survived by her four children: Carolyn (John Lutz) of The Villages, Florida; Larry (Sharon) Slofkosky of Spring Valley, California; Paul Slofkosky of Knoxville, Iowa; and Kenneth (Lois) Slofkosky of Kansas City, Missouri. Velma was blessed with four grandchildren and six great grand children.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, two sisters (Catherine Locke and Esther May Schabilion) , and a brother (Dan Schabilion).
Velma was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society at St. Peter’s Catholic Church of Lovilia. Her volunteer time was spent at Helping Hands, The Shared Food Program and Monroe County Hospice.
Visitation will be at the Sinnott Funeral Home in Albia, Iowa on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 starting at 3pm. Her family will be present from 5-7 pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Lovilia at 10:30 am on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. Interment will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery at Lovilia.
The family requires that all who attend wear a mask and practice social distancing due to the very contagious Omicron virus variant.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Welcome Home Soldier Memorial, Hospice St. Croix Knoxville or Hospice of Pella Comfort House.
Velma was blessed to live to celebrate 101 years of life. May she now rest in peace.