Over the years, Velma was a den mother for Cub Scouts; built and remodeled doll houses; was a member of the St Patrick’s Resurrection Choir and 3J’s and the Flock singing at nursing homes, and her nickname was “Bag Lady” for her efforts to bring comfort to family and friends in need.
She is survived by her five children, Richard “Zip” Zimmerman, Rochelle, Theresa Zimmerman, DeKalb, Karen (Jim) Sharpe, St. Charles, Mo., Robert Zimmerman, Lafayette, Colo., and Janet (Lon) Rago, Elgin; two brothers, Francis “Bud” (Mildred) Heeren, Sierra Vista, Ariz., and Donald (Delores) Heeren, Rock Falls; two sisters, Clara (Frederick) Dobbeke, Deer Grove, and Emma (Troy) Jones, Wynne, Ark.; and two sister-in-laws: Rita Heeren and Rita Jean Heeren. 
She is predeceased by her parents; two brothers, Fred W. “Pete” Heeren and Norman “Butch” Heeren, and four sisters, Ila Lewis, Mary Pletsch, Mavis Garland, Priscilla Shelton.
Visitation at Unger Horner Funeral Home, Rochelle, Wednesday, May 3 from 4-8 p.m. with funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s Church, Rochelle, Thursday, May 4 at 10:30 a.m., with Father Ruben Herrera officiating and burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Lung Association and the Oregon Serenity Hospice and Home.
An online guestbook is available at www.UngerHorner.com.