Violet E. Nerland

Violet Nerland, 81, Fargo, ND, died Monday, April 28, 2008, in MeritCare's Palliative Care Unit, Fargo.Violet Eileen Mahlen, the daughter of Elmer and Hazel Hagen Mahlen, was born on her grandfather's farm August 27, 1926 near Pierpont, SD. She grew up on a farm by Roslyn, SD and graduate from Roslyn High School in 1944. Violet went on to receive a two year teaching degree in 1946 from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. She taught in Eureka, SD and in township schools near Bison, SD and Britton, SD.On June 19, 1948, Violet married Jarvis Nerland at Fron Lutheran near Roslyn and they made their home on a ranch near Bison where they farmed. In 1950, Violet and Jarvis moved to Britton, SD where they purchased a bulk petroleum distributorship. During these years they raised their three sons and were very involved in the life of their church and community. They later moved to Morris, MN and to New Rockford, ND, where they owned and operated other bulk petroleum businesses. Jarvis died in 1979. Violet moved to Fargo in 1986 and became very involved at Pontoppidan and Hope Lutheran Churches. Violet's passion was serving on boards and committees of many church and non-profit organizations and working as a volunteer. She was the consummate volunteer making frequent visitations on behalf of her church as a Stephen Minister and as a visitor for Hospice of the Red River Valley. She has left a legacy for her family and friends that proclaims that it is in serving others that we find our greatest joy.Violet is survived by her three sons, Mark Emily of Moorhead, MN; Brent Nancy of Fargo; Bruce Ann of St. Paul, MN; nine grandchildren, Kjersten Andrew Skatvold, Eric Lindsay and Elliott Nerland; Sarah Tim Sparks, Nicholas Tamra and Nathan Nerland; Elizabeth, Margretta and Paul Nerland; four great-grandchildren, Jacob and Henry Skatvold and Kalle and Tyler Sparks; one brother, Virgil Geri Mahlen, Watertown, SD and one sister, Jeanette Sidney Syverson, Aurora, CO. Violet was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother Curtis and one sister Lois Giese.Memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Red River Valley, Fargo.