Verna Helseth, 82, Minot, formerly of Sawyer, died on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 in a Minot hospital.

Verna was born July 11, 1925 in Minot, ND to Jeremias and Ivertha J. (Peterson) Johnson, the youngest of 9 children. She was raised on her parents' homestead, now the site of Souris Valley Golf Course. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. Verna attended school in Minot and graduated from Model High School in 1943.

Following graduation Verna moved to Seattle, WA where she was employed at a bank. During that time she lived with her sister Ida. She returned to Minot and worked at Minot Creamery and later GTA Feeds.

Verna married Arnold Henry Helseth on July 2, 1955 in Bismarck, ND. Together they lived on a farmnear Wolseth, ND. They raised small grains and dairy cattle until 1966 when they purchased a farm near Sawyer. She was actively involved in the farming operations until the death of Arnold on June 16, 2005. Her latest home was in Emerald Court in Minot.

She was a member of Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva. Her days were filled with gardening, filling picture albums and making sure the cookie jar was never empty. Verna also liked visiting with friends, playing cards, spending time at the lake and taking care of her pets. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Her loving family includes: daughter Dorothy (John) Kerr, Velva, ND, and son Jerry (Paula) Helseth, Sawyer, ND; Grandchildren: Alicia Ann and Amanda Jo Kerr; Jeremy Paul, Jennifer Ann and Justin Lee Helseth; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Verna was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sisters: Dora Skogland, Inga Hoffman, Ida Larson, Ethel Trueblood, and Alice Peterson; brothers John, Edwin and Norman Johnson.

Funeral service: Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva;
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot;
Visitation: Friday, April 25, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to an organization of the donor's choice.