WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Vera (Koffarnus) (Olson) Smallcombe, age 95, passed away Monday, June 2, 2025 at Railside Assisted Living Center in Byron Center.
She was born August 17, 1929 in Hilbert, WI, the daughter of George and Helena (Lautenschlager) Koffarnus, and graduated from Hilbert High School with the Class of 1947. In 1943 Vera was confirmed at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Hilbert, WI.
Vera began her career at the State Bank of Hilbert, WI, and later moved to the Second National Bank, in Saginaw. In 1963 Vera began working with her husband, Kenneth J. Olson Attorney at Law and for nearly four decades for O’Malley Law Office in Three Rivers. Vera became a legal assistant and attended many classes at Glen Oaks Comm. College. Vera was a member of the Business and Professional Woman’s Club acting as President for several years and also the Professional Legal Employees Association.
She was blessed to find love twice, first with Kenneth J. Olson and later with Lawrence “Smokie” Smallcombe. Vera and “Smokie” loved to travel together and together were very active members of the Three Rivers Lions Club and St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Three Rivers where Vera was very involved with Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, church choir, and all things church related.
Vera was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to all of her family. She always had a smile, she loved people, and was always conscientious of others.
Remaining to cherish her memory are her daughter, Karen (Mark) Barber; step-son, Ed (Karen) Smallcombe; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, step grandchildren, step-great grandchildren; and many extended family.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Kenneth J. Olson and Lawrence “Smokie” Smallcombe; step-daughter, Laura Rhoda; and grandson Jason Barber, as well as several siblings.
Her family will receive friends Monday, June 9, 2025 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1200 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 at the church with Pastor Ron Moritz officiating. She will be laid to rest at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in St. Peter’s E.L. Cemetery, in Hilbert, WI.
Donations in Vera’s memory may be directed to St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Three Rivers or to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Hilbert, WI, where there will be a luncheon following the graveside service.
Envelopes will be available at Hohner Funeral Home.
