Verna Nysetvold, age 83, of Twin Valley, Minnesota, died Monday, May 4, 2009, in the Palliative Care Unit at MeritCare Hospital, Fargo, North Dakota.

Verna Ruth Knutson was born February 12, 1926, the daughter of Ole and Margaret (Syvertsen) Knutson in Ulen, Minnesota, where she grew up and attended school. As a young woman, Verna graduated from Moorhead Teacher's School. She taught at a rural school near Sebeka, Minnesota before being united in marriage to Arnt Nysetvold on April 10, 1949 in Ulen. The couple made their home in Twin Valley where they raised seven children. After their children were grown, Verna was a teacher for the Title 1 program in the Twin Valley School. She also served as a substitute teacher for area schools for several years before retiring.

Verna was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church where she enjoyed ladies aid. She was a member of the Modern Study Club and the American Legion Auxiliary, serving as president and secretary over the years.

Verna was often the hostess for extended family gatherings. She enjoyed making meals for her family, and was especially renowned for her impossibly thin lefse, flavorful roasted meats and gravies, and hearty baked beans. She loved to participate in American Legion bingo, playing cards, and traveling. In her younger years, she liked to go camping and bowling. She loved spending time with her family and treasured the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. While a young mother she was an apt seamstress, sewing holiday and special occasion garments for her children. In later life, she sewed welcome flannel blankets for her grandchildren. She and Arnt were often right-on-the-spot with the birth of a new grandchild, eager to help with the cooking and laundry, so mom and dad could focus on the new baby.

Verna was a devoted caregiver for her husband, Arnt, for several years after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and before he moved to the Twin Valley Living Center. After 50 years of marriage, Arnt died November 4, 1999. Verna continued to live at home until moving into the Twin Valley Living Center in 2003 where she enjoyed wonderful care from staff and volunteers until the time of her death.

Verna is survived by two sons, Joel (Lynelle) Nysetvold of Twin Valley, MN and Paul (Janet) Nysetvold of Fargo, ND; three daughters, Margit (Lyle) Bakke of Flom, MN, Maren (James) McGowan of St. Paul, MN and Marcia (William) Garberg of Hutchinson, MN; 14 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Verna is preceded in death by her parents, Ole and Margaret, husband, Arnt, two sons, David and Brian, four brothers; Orville, Niles, Harold and Kermit and three sisters; Helene, Harriet and Mildred.

Funeral Services was Friday, May 8th at 11:00 AM in Zion Lutheran Church, Twin Valley.
Burial was taken place in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley.