WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Teresa "Tess" Vernetti, 73, of Wakefield, formerly of Ironwood, passed away Wednesday evening, Sept. 20, 2017.

Tess was born on Oct. 2, 1943, in Hurley, Wis., a daughter of Charles John and Anna Leone (Younger) Baron.

On May 18, 1962, Tess was united in marriage to Donald J. Vernetti, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley. Together they were blessed with four children.

She loved being surrounded by her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought Tess immense joy.

Tess took great pleasure in playing Scrabble with her sister, Gerri, cribbage with her friends and family, bingo and doing word search puzzles.

She spent many happy hours on the farm, and especially enjoyed her pet potbellied pig, Bam Bam.


Tess is survived by her husband, Don; a daughter, Brenda (Bruce) Coron, Wakefield; two sons, Donald Jr. (Dawn), Conover, Wis., and David (Lori), Ironwood; 11 grandchildren, including granddaughter and best friend, Jessica; eight great-grandchildren; four sisters, Joyce (Jack) Kallas, Hurley, Florence Monk, Menasha, Wis., Gerri (John) Mattson, Ironwood, and Carol (Bob) Salo, Manistique; two brothers, Richard (Karen) Baron, New London, Wis., and Jack (Debbie) Baron, Mount Laguna, California; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends.

She was predeceased by her parents; a daughter, Bette Ann, on Nov. 22, 1992; a brother, Charles "Sonny" Baron; and a sister, Elaine Shelky.

The family is honoring Tess' life in a private memorial service.

A celebration of life will be held today, Sept. 23, beginning at 3 p.m., at the David Vernetti residence, 200 S. Hemlock St., Ironwood.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.