Vernette Amy Elizabeth Stokke
Vernette Stokke 95, of Newfolden, MN, passed away on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 2020 at Greenleaf Senior Living, Thief River Falls, MN. A visitation was held on Friday, May 15 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. A private Graveside Service was held Saturday, May 16, 2020 at Oak Grove Cemetery in Newfolden, MN. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Vernette Amy Elizabeth Tangquist, the daughter of Malcolm (O.M.) and Gerda (Sustad) Tangquist, was born on February 26, 1925, in Viking, MN. She was baptized and confirmed in the Mission Covenant Church, Viking, MN. She attended grade school in Viking, graduated from Newfolden High School in 1942, and completed Teachers Training in Warren, MN, in 1943. Her first teaching job was at the Gustafson School, and during the next two years she taught grades 5-8 in Viking.
On June 15, 1946 Vernette was united in marriage to Harvey Earl Stokke at Zion Lutheran Church inViking, MN. Due to a teacher shortage and teachers helping in the war effort, Vernette taught in the Forsberg School during the first year of their marriage. While Vernette and Harvey made their home west of Viking, their daughters, Barb and Sue were born.
In 1952 they moved to Kansas where Harvey worked in a munitions plant, but once the Korean War ended, they moved to Holt, MN, to start a turkey farm. Vernette was a hard worker, spending many hours outside doing the chores with Harvey, and in the evening, you would find her at her sewing machine making clothes for her daughters and herself. By 1969, Harvey and Vernette’s son Todd had been born, they had moved into Newfolden, Harvey had been appointed Newfolden’s postmaster, and Vernette became the elementary school secretary, a job that lasted for 21 years. Many students remembered her as the lunch ticket lady and as a staunch supporter of the Newfolden Nordics.
After retirement, Vernette enjoyed visiting with friends during Senior Meals and helping with the dishes afterwards. She also delivered Meals on Wheels and helped make the posters for the Newfolden Seniors booth at the Marshall County Fair.
Vernette was a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Newfolden and was very active in church activities, including WELCA, Bible Study, singing in the choir, and quilting. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Viking Garden Club and RSVP. She was very proud of her family and friends, her faith, the communities of Viking and Newfolden, her Swedish heritage, and her flower gardens.
Vernette is survived by Barbara (Dennis Berndgen) of Brainerd, MN, Sue (Dennis) Bendickson of Thief River Falls, MN, and Todd (Ann) Stokke of Winona, MN; grandchildren, Ryan Bendickson of Minneapolis, MN, David (Allee) Berndgen of Minneapolis, MN, Michael Berndgen of Brainerd, MN, Steven (Sara) Berndgen of Sibley, IA; and great-granddaughter, Remington Berndgen; nephews, Winslow (Diane) and Wesley (Jeanine) Grandstrand, Jeff (Cammie) Anderson, and Byron (Cheryl) Stokke; and nieces Marsha (Donald) Hanson, Donna (John) Mezeski, Coco (Casey) Kayser, and Kim (Gerard) Novak.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey; grandson, Spencer Stokke; her parents; sister, Bernyce Grandstrand; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hjalmer and Luella Stokke; brothers-in-law, Alvin Grandstrand, Percey Stokke, and Elmer Anderson; sisters-in-law, Gloria Anderson, and Vernace Stokke; nephew, Gaylord Grandstrand; and nieces Marlys Olson and Marilu Walker.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com