Bernice Agotness

Bernice Agotness, age 95 of Northwood, North Dakota, passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. Bernice was born on November 2, 1921 in Mekinock, ND, the daughter of Gotfred and Gertie (Burtness) Jorde.  She was baptized, confirmed and attended rural school at Mekinock.   Bernice was united im marriage to Ernest Agotness on March 10, 1943.  They lived and farmed in Mekinock, ND and upon retirement moved to Northwood, ND.  Bernice was an excellent seamstress, adjusting clothes for many and enjoying every stich she made including making many quilts with the church women.  Her creative talents were also evident in decorating her home, baking cookies, desserts and bread making.  She made a yearly meal of lutefisk and lefsa.  She loved her family and friends, and enjoyed getting together with them.  Her love of the Lord was evident in how she served others.   She was a member of Washington Church, Northwood, North Dakota.  She was preceded in death by her husband Ernest;  granddaughter,Jeniene (age 3);  her parents, Gottfred and Gertie (Burtness) Jorde;  her brothers, Oren and Veron Jorde; her infant sister, Junette Jorde;  half sisters, Ivy Bratlie, Leona Hensrud, and Mae Hendrickson;  brother-in-law, Jule Agotness.  Loving family members who survive are two daughters, Barbara Connell, Northwood, ND, and Diane (Gary) Whitman of Marion, IA.  Two granddaughters, Laura (Candace) Whitman, of West Virginia, LeAnn (Brian) Struchen of Marion, IA;  grandson, Arthur (Jennifer) Kepner, of Portland, OR;  great-grandson, Kylar;  step great-grandchildren;  sistes, June Bye, and Eileen (Lloyd) Iverson;  brother, Elwood (Verna) Jorde;  sister-in-law, Phyllis Jorde;  many nieces and nephews.  She will be so missed by her family and many friends.  Funeral Services for Bernice will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 13, 2017 in Washington Lutheran Church, Northwood, ND with visitation one hour prior to the service in the church.  Interment will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks.  Arrangements are with Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks.