Vernice A. Nielsen,  94, of Oberon, ND,  died Tuesday, October 30, 2012, at the Carrington Health Center in Carrington. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 3, 2012,  2:00 PM  at Calvary Lutheran Church in Oberon with Pastor Natasha Woitzel-Kolles officiating.  Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery at Oberon.  Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 7pm followed by a Time of Sharing at 7PM in the Nelson Funeral Home at Minnewaukan.  Visitation will continue Saturday at the church an hour before the service.  Active casket bearers will be her grandsons:  Barry, Corey & Jeremy Ploium,  Christopher Kirby,  Andrew, Adam, Alexander, Jason and Casey Nielsen.  Honorary bearers will be her granddaughters:  Karen Figg,  Sarah Tollefson,  Rachel Nielsen,  Jodi Pike,  Sheri Ploium,  Adrienne Kirby, Angie Clarke and the members of the Gerald A. Haskins American Legion Auxiliary Post #122 of Oberon.  Music will be from Cindy Hegland, organist with Jared Kolless, vocalist.

Vernice Audrey Burgess was born November 11th, 1917 in Minnewaukan, ND at the family home. She was the second of four children born to Hulda Katherine Geske & Isaac Derwood Burgess.

She was reared and educated in Minnewaukan. The family spent a couple of years living near the Geske family ranch northeast of Oberon. Vernice worked in her early years as a housekeeper for Charlie Olson and Walter & Clarabell McDonald. She also helped maintain the family home.

On June 17th, 1941 Vernice married Jens Nielsen at the Sheyenne Parsonage. After her marriage, she was confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in Oberon. Vernice helped Jens at the Nielsen Butcher Shop. Following their marriage, they lived in Oberon and moved into their lifelong home in 1942. Vernice worked at the Oberon School in her later years and served lunches at the Oberon Senior Center.

One of her greatest loves was sharing time and fellowship with her family and friends around her dining room table. Vernice loved to bake, cook, garden and sew. She was very creative in fixing and repairing things. Vernice and Jens enjoyed traveling together in their later years.

Vernice was an active member of Calvary LCW and Rebekkah Lodge. She was also a member of the Gerald A. Haskins American Legion Post #122 Auxiliary and the Oberon Senior Center group.

Vernice lived in her home until October 29th, 2012. She died October 30th, 2012 at the Carrington Health Center.

She leaves to mourn in her passing her children, Eugene (Janice) Nielsen, Reynolds, ND; Eloise (Kenny) Ploium, Oberon, ND; Junita (Jake) Goertzen, Horndean, MB; Kirby (Mary) Nielsen, Fargo, ND; her brother, Lloyd Burgess, Minnewaukan, ND; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Vernice was preceded in death by her husband, Jens (1987); son, Rodney Nielsen (2006); brothers Eugene Burgess (1995) and Derwood "Dody" Burgess (1985); and her parents, Isaac and Hulda Burgess.


Condolences:

So sorry about your loss.  You are in our thoughts and prayers. God's Blessings.  Gary & Ginny Sears



Hello all - so sorry for your loss of a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, Friend and Person.  Vernice was such a special person to me - I was just thinking about what I could send her for that big 95th.  I'm sure she will be smiling down on us and hoping that someone will take over the frying of that deer sausage for breakfast before the hunt.  Only Vernice could make biscuits that would last all day on the trail.  I loved her dearly and she will always have a very special place in my heart.  God be with you Eugene, Eloise, Junita and Kirby.  My love to you all. Penny Nielsen



We will miss our visits with Vernice, her warmth, her humor and her zest for life. She was a remarkable person and friend to us and entire Kennedy family. Now heaven will be a much better with Vernice, a very special new angel. Our Love and condolences to the Nielson and Burgess Families.  Bill & Mary Kennedy



I met Vernice when her Granddaughter, Karin, married my newphew, Ken Figg. I pray for those who knew her well and those who met her quietly, as I did. But we all have joy in our hearts she is with her God,family and friends who passed before her.  Peace, and God Bless. Sharon Harrell



I was saddened to just hear of Vernice's death.  Generally, my sister, Anita would have called me to let me know; but unfortunately she died in August.  I remember how positive and friendly Vernice always seemed to be, how she enjoyed company, and how she enjoyed meeting her kids' friends.  She will be missed. I actually had hoped to stop in Oberon on Veteran's Day this year, her birthday, to see family members.  My condolences to the kids, grandkids, and extended family members, and prayers for you mom.  Rodger Wetzel, Bismarck



Junita, Jake and Family: So sorry about your loss.  Your mother was a wonderful lady.  She was an inspiration to all.  Love Jim, Maria and Family



I have known Vernice for years since I lived in the Oberon area. She was a wonderful person and loved by all! My sympathy goes out to all the family at this time.I am still a member of the Auxiliary and am honored to be one! Love to the family -Carol Haskin