Verdell Genevieve Distad, 97, of Owatonna, died Sunday, November 9, 2014 at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. She was born August 12, 1917 in New Richland, Minnesota the daughter of Knute and Gustina (Newgard) Hagen. She attended country school. Verdell married Raymond Distad on May 6, 1937 in Northwood, Iowa. They made their home south of Hope. Raymond and Verdell farmed until they moved to Owatonna in early 1960's. Verdell worked at Owatonna Inn from 1962 to 1969. In 1970, she worked at Federated Insurance until her retirement in 1983. Raymond passed away April 15, 1985. Verdell was very active with her grandchildren. She enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles, canning, gardening, and loved taking daily walks. She was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church. She is survived by her children, Geraldine Vangen of Ellendale, Diane (and Don) Matejcek of Owatonna, Carolyn VonRuden of Owatonna, Sandra Thom of Alexandria, and Bruce (and Carolyn) Distad of Clear Lake; ten grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; two great great grandsons; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Distad, parents, three brothers, four sisters, four son-in-laws, Kenneth Steele, Odean Vangen, James VonRuden, and Michael Thom. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday, November 13, 2014 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and at St. John Lutheran Church on Friday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 14, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Dave Klawiter officiating. Interment will be in the Owatonna Memorial Gardens in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to St. John Lutheran Church or donor's choice. Visitation: 11/13/2014 16:00 11/13/2014 18:00 Service: Owatonna and one hour prior to the service at the church 11/14/2014 11:00