Watch Verna's Funeral Service

Verna Prestegaard, age 92, of Barnesville, MN, formerly of Moorhead, MN, died on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Valley Care and Rehab in Barnesville.

Verna Elaine, the daughter of Gilmer and Mabel (Berg) Olson, was born on February 5, 1926. She grew up in the Home Lake area and went to country school. Following her graduation from Twin Valley High School in 1943, Verna went with her family and friends to Portland, OR, where she worked in the shipyards supporting the War effort. Later Verna continued her education, attending college in Havre, MT and later Minnesota State University, Moorhead, earning her teaching certificate. Verna taught one year in Opheim, MT and three years at Woodland Nook School, near Flom, MN. Verna was united in marriage to Leslie Prestegaard on October 27, 1946. They started their life together farming near Flom and were blessed with two children, Mark and Marie. The family moved to South St. Paul, MN for a time before moving to Moorhead, MN where they lived for 35 years. Verna worked at Boyer Grocery Store in Ada and was employed with MSUM for many years. They moved into the Northern Lights Assisted Living in Ulen, MN. Shortly after Leslie's death on August 18, 2014, Verna moved to Barnesville to make her home.

Verna was a woman of great faithfulness. She was a lifetime member of Wild Rice Lutheran Church where she and Leslie served as custodians for many years. While living in Moorhead, they were active in the Assembly of God Church and developed wonderful friendships there. Verna loved to spend time with people and simply sit and talk. She was well known with all the staff and locals at the Fargo Fry'n Pan and looked forward to meeting with her coffee group. She was a delightful hostess who always had her home prepared and a meal ready for those who stopped in for coffee and conversation. They also enjoyed travelling to Medora with family. Verna was a busy wife and mother but always made time to help others in need.   She adored her family and cherished the time she was able to spend with her children and grandchildren, especially playing games together. Through her kind spirit Verna taught her family valuable lessons about love, generosity and gratitude…a legacy which will be forever remembered.

Verna is survived by her son, Mark of Lodi, CA; her daughter, Marie (John) Dohm of Lake Park, MN; seven grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Arliene Prestegord of Burnsville, MN and Joan Prestegord of Philadelphia, PA; brother-in-law, Peter Bartlett of South St. Paul, MN; several nieces and nephews; and numerous cousins and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.