Verna Alford

Verna Madeline Loberg Alford died July 17, 2008, at Bethany Homes in Fargo. She was born June 16, 1913, in rural Fargo to Harry and Azora (Lillegard) Loberg and was raised on a farm. She attended a country school for seven years before attending Central High School in Fargo; Dakota Agricultural College (now North Dakota State University); Valley City Normal (graduating with a teaching degree) and Fargo Business College (receiving a business certificate). Verna worked for Armour & Co. for several years as an accountant and office manager. She married Ernest F. Alford in November 1944, in Des Moines, Iowa, and worked as office manager for the Alford Implement Company until the company was sold in the early 1960’s. After retirement, Verna purchased a kiln and poured, fired and painted many pieces of china. She loved working on porcelain. She also created hand-crafted items and opened Val’s Treasure Shoppe in her home. She held special sales in the spring and fall and also took her wares to craft shows. Verna was a member of the Red Cross during WWII, and was active in many civic organizations throughout her life. She was a past president of the Fargo Nursing Home Auxiliary (now Rosewood) and had been a member since the home was built. She was a member of St. Luke’s Auxiliary and made toys for the children’s ward, and also a member and past president of Chapter Mu of Beta Sigma Phi. She was active in the YWCA and on the Board and assisted on the drive for funds when the YMCA and YWCA built the present YMCA facility. She assisted on several drives for funds for the Community Chest of Fargo-Moorhead (now United Fund). She was a member of Fine Arts, Pioneer Daughters, Orpah Chapter of Eastern Star, Shrine Auxiliary and Widows of the Shrine Auxiliary, Eagles Auxiliary, Elks Auxiliary, Fargo Moorhead Area Music Club, Fargo Moorhead Symphony Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, WWII Auxiliary and Sons of Norway. She was a member of First United Methodist Church. Verna served on several committees of the church; Administrative Board, Board of Trustees, Memorial Committee, Committee on Finance, Nominating Committee, Past President of United Methodist Women, Chairperson, Rooms & Furnishings, Wedding Committee, General Chairperson, Funeral Committee. She also participated in fundraising projects such as bazaars and rummage sales and worked on several pledge drives. Verna was very honored to receive the Jewel of a Woman award from the United Methodist Women. Verna was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest; her parents; stepmother; five brothers Eugene, Allen, Harvey, Arlo and Leslie; one sister, Adelaide Loberg Barnes; one god-daughter, Mary Ann Barnes Parkhouse; and stepson, William Alford. Surviving are her step-daughter-in law, Marilyn Alford; and step-granddaughters, Linda (Jack) Fritts and Susan (Neal) Boeckmann, all of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and step-granddaughter, Amy Nakai of Plymouth, MN. Also, four step-great-grandchildren, Lisa (David) Kesse, Auburn, IN; Jessica Fritts, Minneapolis; David Nakai, Plymouth, MN; and Andrea Nakai, Minneapolis. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Louise Loberg of Fargo and niece, Emilie (Maynard) Schossow, Park Rapids, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to donor’s charity of choice. Funeral: Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at 2pm, at First United Methodist Church, Fargo, ND. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church Burial : Riverside Cemetery, Fargo