Verna Mae Thoreson, 96, Valley City, ND formerly of Kathryn, ND passed away August 9, 2023 at SMP Health – St. Raphael, Valley City, with her family by her side. Verna Mae Brandvold was born April 2, 1927, to Melvin and Clara (Rue) Brandvold on the Sand Prairie south of Kathryn, ND. She attended and graduated from Kathryn High School. Growing up, Verna was active in Ransom County 4-H earning many ribbons and awards. She married Maurice Thoreson on January 20, 1946. A true partnership began. Verna was the quintessential farmer’s wife. She took care of the house, milked cows alongside Maurice, baked some of the most delicious treats, was a loving mother to their children and a wonderful grandma to all the grandkids and great grandkids. Verna was a woman of strong faith. She was baptized and confirmed at Nordheim Lutheran Church and later a member of St. Paul’s in Kathryn. She was active with Ladies Aid where she helped make dozens of quilts for the annual bazaar. She was also active with the Hastings Homemaker’s club and enjoyed the time with everyone. Verna loved having company where the coffee was always on, and a sweet treat was readily available. She was an excellent card player who was better than she ever let
on. Putting together puzzles was a hobby she enjoyed throughout her life and one that the grandchildren enjoyed with her. She made a quilt for nearly every grandchild and great grandchild. A precious gift that they will cherish. A lot of love went into each unique quilt.
Verna is survived by her children Larry (Dusty) of Jamestown, Marilyn (Allen) Kunze of Valley City, Curt (Sue) of West Fargo, Rick (Barb) of Kathryn, and Bob (Jodi) of Jamestown; 11 grandchildren 15 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Lois Brandvold and Phyllis Storhoff.
She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, two infant daughters Jean and Jane, brothers Maurice and Leslie Brandvold, in-laws Ninie Brandvold, Carl Thoreson, Jeannette and Al Trader, Donald and Dorothy Thoreson, and Edmund Storhoff. Verna was a self-less, giving woman of faith who passed down many family traditions to
her family all done with the utmost love.
The funeral service for Verna will be 10:30 am Wednesday, August 16, at Faith Lutheran Church, Valley City. Visitation will be 5-7 pm Tuesday at the church with a prayer service at 7 pm. Visitation will continue one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be in Nordheim Cemetery, rural Kathryn.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City. An online guestbook is available at olivernathanchapel.com