Verna Ottum

Verna Ottum, 91, Grand Forks, ND died Saturday, April 11, 2015 in Valley Memorial Home Eldercare of Grand Forks. Verna Palm was born to David and Ella Palm in Palmville Township near Wannaska, MN on November 15, 1923. She attended school there and was an active member of the Swedish Baptist Church. Verna married Russell Ottum in May of 1955. They had two sons, Rodell in 1957 and Rolf in 1960. Verna enjoyed music and past this on to her sons. Gospel music was her favorite, black and southern gospel being the top of her list. She lived to send birthday cards and notes of encouragement to her many nephews, niece, great nephews and great nieces. She remembered the dates of all their birthdays. She enjoyed her flower gardens in the summer and leaves in the fall. Her long walks in winter or summer kept her healthy, she maintained. The great joy of her life was her grandsons, Devin, Shelton and Levi. Even as her memory dimmed, she brightened up at their visits. Her humor and wisdom will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Verna is survived by her sons, Rodell (Sheryl) Ottum, and Rolf Ottum; grandsons, Danny, Devin, Shelton and Levi; brother, Burt Palm; sister, Fay (Marvin) Palm and many nieces and nephews. Verna was preceded in death by her husband, Russell; by both her parents; brothers, Ralph Palm and Marvin Palm; and by her sisters, Ruth Osell, Elain Ulvin, and Gladys Lund. Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, April 14, 2015 in Valley Christian Church in Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the church. Burial will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery of Grand Forks.