Elda Marie Vejraska

Elda Marie Vejraska passed away March 16th 2023 in Omak, WA. She was born in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska on September 17th 1921 to parents Millard and Laural Hamel. She was the youngest of seven brothers and sisters. Her parents were tenant farmers and they moved around a lot as she growing up. Elda graduated from high school in 1939 in Peru, Nebraska. She attended college at Peru State College and graduated with an Associated teaching degree. After graduation she wasn’t sure if she really wanted to teach so she went to Washington D.C. for a year and worked for the Public Road Department. She had met Louis Vejraska at a college dance before she moved to Washington D.C. He continued to court her while she was in Washington D.C. She came home for Christmas that year and much to her surprise he had an engagement ring for her. She went back to her job in D.C. and then moved back to Nebraska to take care of her mother and to plan a wedding. They were married September 11th 1943 at Beatrice, Nebraska. They were married for 64 years. Louis joined the Army in 1943 and Elda worked at the Army Air Base. She loved to dance and they danced to many famous bands, Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey, and Lawrence Welk. Their first born, Steven Alan Vejraska was born in 1944 in Odell, Nebraska. Louis graduated from dental school in 1945 and they headed west to Sunnyside, Washington. After a short time they decided to move back to Pawnee City, Nebraska and open a dental practice there. Their second son, Craig Louis Vejraska was born in 1947. Elda had asthma and the humidity of Nebraska seemed to make it worse so they sold their home and dental practices to move West to Omak, Washington in 1950. Lou was called back into the Army and they moved to El Paso, Texas. After completing his duty in the Army they moved back to Omak and opened his dental practice. They raised their boys were growing up. She spent many hours volunteering for the Hosts Reading Program at East Omak Elementary School helping the kids succeed at reading. She was an active member of the Pioneer Club, Omak Senior Citizens, and Okanogan County Cattlewomen. At 101 years of age she was the oldest cattlewomen member. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis; son, Steven; her parents; and brothers and sisters. She is survived by son, Craig (Mary K.), grandchildren, Todd (Katlina), Scott (Katie), Jason (Jennifer), Ryan (Carlan); grandchildren, Kelsey, Kacie, Kady, Arlee, Caleb, Vance, Henry, Jaxson, Cameron, and Jase. Visitation for family and friends will be from 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday, March 30th at River Valley Funeral Home in Okanogan. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Friday, March 31st at the Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Okanogan. Elda will be laid to rest next to her husband, Louis Verjaska at the Omak Memorial Cemetery following the church service. Please join the family for a dinner to follow at the Okanogan Eagles. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Omak Fire Department PO Box 72, Omak, WA 98841.

Elda Marie Vejraska

September 17, 1921 - March 16, 2023