Verna Lynn Pfahl

Verna Lynn (Jacks) Pfahl gently passed away in her home on March 10, 2023 in Mokena, IL at the age of 72 with family by her side.

Verna was born in Evanston, IL on April 15,1950 to Vernell and Concetta (Arrigo) Jacks. She was the oldest of nine children growing up in Des Plaines, IL and graduated from Maine West High School. She married James Daniel Pfahl in 1972. They raised three girls together in Port Clinton, OH and moved back to Des Plaines in 2004. After sending her youngest to first grade, spent most of her professional career in payroll and benefits.

Verna was a nurturing mother and through her actions set the expectation of daughters to be strong and independent, while warm and caring. She treated her son-in-laws as though they were her own boys, welcoming them each into the family with love and respect.

Verna was incredibly talented. She had passion and precision for quilting. Her quilts will provide warmth, comfort and hugs to family, friends and strangers for years to come. She was an avid gardener, baker and preferred to create most things from scratch, including her own wedding dress.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Daniel Pfahl, three daughters and their husbands, Julie and Andrew Harrison, Jen and TJ Plummer and Jackie and Tom Reidy, along with her four grandchildren Griffin and Molly Reidy; and Courtney and Amanda Harrison.

Her sisters and brothers meant the world to her; Larry Jacks (died in infancy), Karen (Jacks) Emmett (died in 2013), Al Jacks, Concetta (Jacks) Kellough, Mary (Jacks) Bazan, Ginna (Jacks) Spiegel, Andy Jacks, and Sue (Jacks) Stahl. Their bond is something to be admired. She cared deeply about all of her in-laws and nieces and nephews.

In remembrance of Verna, the family requests in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to the Les Turner Foundation www.lesturnerals.org or Compassionate Care ALS www.ccals.org. Both organizations have been immensely supportive and caring through Verna’s 2 ½ year battle with ALS. 

A Celebration of Life will take place on April 15, 2023 at 11:30 AM in Rosemont, IL.  If you are interested in attending, please contact a family member to RSVP. 

Arrangements by Kurtz Memorial Chapel, Frankfort IL www.kurtzmemorialchapel.com or 815-806-2225.