LaVerne Nelson

LaVerne "Vernie" Nelson, 77, of Gonvick, MN passed away on Sunday, January 23, 2011 surrounded by his family at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. LaVerne Duane Nelson was born January 8, 1934 in Leon Township, Clearbrook, MN, son of Harlan and Inga (Mjelde) Nelson. He attended school in Leon and Greenwood Township. He was baptized and confirmed at Greenwood Lutheran Church and was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Clearbrook, MN. He was drafted into the United States Army in the 1950's. In 1960 he married Phyllis Larson of Clearbrook at the Seljord Lutheran Church. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on November 26, 2010. Together they farmed until LaVerne's retirement. LaVerne worked for a short time for Chester Berg Motors in Bemidji, MN, was a bus driver for the Clearbrook School System and bought and sold machinery. Since retirement his favorite past time was to buy and sell grain market futures, play blackjack and fish. He enjoyed spending time with his daughters, grandchildren, son-in-laws, nephews and his pet dog "Sam". He his survived by his wife Phyllis, daughters Sue (Paul) Clemetson and Brenda (Mark) Schultz all of Grand Forks, ND, five grandchildren, Amanda, Jacob, Matthew, Alex and Annie, sister Sandy (David) Knutson, sister-in-law Lorraine Tveitbakk and many special nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. At Vernie's request graveside services will be held later this spring at the Greenwood Cemetery, Clearbrook, MN.