Camp Courageous is deeply saddened by the passing of Vera Gienapp, 104, of Manchester, IA.  Of course, since hitting 100, the most frequent question asked of Vera has been, ‘what is the secret to your longevity?”  Vera has always been on the move, mentally and physically.  She loved to read and would easily read 100 books a year and was always busy, physically, helping others.  She never smoked or drank.  She has been a woman of deep faith.  Up to a few weeks before she passed, she would say, “God still has plans for me, but my suitcase is mentally packed and ready to go.”

Vera received great enjoyment from helping others.  From being a teacher, starting at the age of 18…to still volunteering with Camp Courageous at 100+.  Vera was an inspiration to many.  She gave inspiration to countless others by beating cancer at the age of 91. She was the first person, over 100, to do the Camp Courageous Zipline…not once, but several times!  Vera started supporting the Camp in the late 70s and volunteered at the Manchester Garage Sale since the early 80s.  Vera and her husband, Bud, were exceptional Camp Courageous volunteers.  They were a team.  From boats to furniture, if something needed a little handy work, Bud was there to help.  They were able to celebrate 71-years of marriage until Bud’s death in 2017.  What a beautiful legacy of 104-years Vera leaves.  Vera requested that her memorials be directed to Camp Courageous. (www.campcourageous.org/donate)

Long time leaders of the Manchester Garage Sale, Lila Luensmann, Honorary Camp Courageous Board Member Jackie Snyder, Marla Schiess, and Vera Gienapp.

At 100+ Vera enjoys rides on the Camp’s Zipline.