Velma L Nicodemus

Velma L. Nicodemus
Born July 26, 1932, died January 14, 2024.

Velma was born to Anson and Mary Viola Rucker of Polo, Illinois. She attended Polo schools with the Class of 1952. Velma married LeRoy Nicodemus on June 11, 1960 in Polo. Words used to describe Velma include feisty, caring, stubborn and prayer warrior. If a friend or family member needed uplifting, Velma always had the right words.

Velma was a CNA for 39 years, working at the Polo Nursing Home and then specializing in home care. She cleaned the Faith Reform Church in Lanark for ten years from 2010 – 2020. Velma enjoyed playing the piano for Church services for over 20 years.

She loved to garden, crochet and play bingo. She also loved to play cards and Dominos. Velma enjoyed going for car rides and stopping for ice cream at different places. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and especially enjoyed spending time with her great-grandchildren.

Velma will be dearly missed by her three children, William (Louise) Nicodemus of Monmouth, Iowa, Timothy (Kris) Nicodemus of Rockford, Illinois, Julie (Kevin) Grabow of Orangeville, Illinois; three grandchildren, Kaitlynne (Brad) Fitzpatrick of Clarksville, Tenessee, Kenny (fiancé Taylor) Grabow of Freeport, Illinois and Tyler (fiancé Natalie) Nicodemus of Rockford; two great-grandchildren, Harper and Asher Fitzpatrick; a sister, Mary Jean Rucker of Polo; and several nieces and nephews. Velma is preceded in death by both parents; her husband, LeRoy; sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Walter Hachmeister; and special friends, Bill and Betty Smith, Mary and Jim Rose and Betty Lindstrom.

A funeral service will be held 11am Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Law Jones Eastland in Lanark with visitation from 9 – 11am, prior to the service. Friends are invited to remain afterward to have refreshments and enjoy each other’s company. Burial will be in the Lanark Cemetery. A memorial has been established for the Lanark Volunteer Fire Department.