LaVerne's memorial video can be viewed here:
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/C6P4PQKTSGJ6MSP3
LaVerne's Memorial Service can be viewed here:
https://vimeo.com/593482621
LaVerne "Bootsie" Mae Bengtson, 89, passed away peacefully August 24, 2021, surrounded by family.
LaVerne was born May 5, 1932 on the farm in Harwood, ND to Mary and Sam Lileks. She grew up in Fargo, ND and graduated from Central High School as a National Honor Society student in 1950.
She married Ellsworth "Al" Nelson on October 6, 1950 and they made their home in Fargo, ND. They had three daughters, Katherine Noel, Linda Kay and Brenda Lee. They owned and operated Northern Novelty and Printing Co. from 1959 to 1982, which was a very successful business locally and nationally.
After the sudden loss of her husband, Ellsworth, in 1979, she met Llewellyn Bengtson and they married on January 31, 1987. They enjoyed spending time between their homes in Fargo, ND and Erhard, MN. They made many pleasurable moments traveling, dancing, and spending time with friends and family.
Over the years, LaVerne loved spending time with her Potluck gals, bowling, gardening, reading and crossword puzzles. She was passionate about the many charities she supported throughout her life.
LaVerne is survived by her spouse, Llewellyn, Fargo, ND; brothers, Roger Lileks, Boise, ID and Gene Lileks, Fargo, ND; children, Katherine (Doug) Kesler, Pelican Rapids, MN, Linda (Bob) Gill, Fargo, ND, and Brenda (Neil) Krueger, West Fargo, ND; step children, Debra Schnoor, Fergus Falls, MN, Steve (Marilyn) Bengtson, Underwood, MN and JoAnn Wolf, Moorhead, MN; grandchildren, Jenny (Jerod) Holland, Moorhead, MN, Ellie (Aaron) Maher, West Fargo, ND, Charles (Chanelle) Kesler, Moorhead, MN, Matthew Gill, Fargo, ND, Katie (Levi) Pender, Fargo, ND, Logan (Danielle) Krueger, West Fargo, ND and Samantha (Kenny) Keller, West Fargo, ND: great grandchildren, Mickey and Pepper Maher, CharlieAnn, Chuyler and Chevylou Kesler, Marley and Jenner Pender, Ayden Krueger and Mila Keller and many grand dogs.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ellsworth, three sisters and four brothers.
Visitation 10:00 am, with a funeral service 11:00 am, August 30, 2021 at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Interment at Maple-Sheyenne Cemetery, Harwood, ND.
A very special thank you to all the staff at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND for their compassionate care of our mother.