Laverne A. ’Vernie’ Olson

LaVerne A. "Vernie" Olson, 78, Moorhead, died Saturday, June 14, 2008 in MeritCare Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Fargo, ND.Vernie was born August 22, 1929 to Albert and Martha Sorum of Cummings, ND. She was one of 11 Sorum children. Vernie grew up near Cummings and attended Buxton and Cummings schools. On December 17, 1947 she married Wallace E. Wentworth in Moorhead, MN. They had three children. They made their homes in Grandin, ND, Georgetown, MN, and Dilworth, MN. Wally died in 1984.On August 30, 2002, Vernie married Richard Olson of Moorhead. Vernie worked as a banquet waitress for many years, several of those at the Fargo Holiday Inn. She was a member of the American Legion and a life member of the VFW. Nani, as she was known to loved ones, enjoyed being with family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved flowers and yard work, playing bingo and especially doing things together with Rich. She enjoyed having a good time and will be missed for her wonderful sense of humor.She is survived by her husband Richard; daughter Linda Roger Fischer, Harwood; step-daughter Nancy Forsberg, Blaine, MN; sisters Lois Charles Grove, Betty Riemer, Shirley John Bartels, and Sandra Verle Peterson, all of Hillsboro, ND; grandchildren and great-grandchildren Jodi Scott Hendrickson and Chelsey Kubela of Wahpeton, ND; Lori Gary Ordahl, Samantha, Seth and Josh of Milnor, ND; Kristi Bill Leahy, Tanner and Kaci Jo of Argusville, ND; Tony Rachael Wentworth, Ava and Landon of Savage, MN; Rich Keri Pavlicek and Jayden of Casselton, ND; step-grandchildren Kayla Cory, Abby and Andy Forsberg of Blaine, MN; brother-in-law Jerome "Butch" Michell Olson, Fertile, MN; sister-in-law Sonja Ordell Leines, Chanhassen, MN; special friend Sandra Baldwin, Dilworth, MN; and many nieces and nephews.Vernie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Wally; daughter Kathleen and son Buzz; brothers and sisters Ethel, Earl, Ruby, Roy, Mavis and Donnie.