Vernice Larson, 83, of Newfolden, MN died on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls, MN surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at the Evangelical Free Church in Newfolden, MN with Pastor Gary Barrett officiating. Burial will follow at Opdahl Cemetery, rural Newfolden, MN.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM on Thursday at the church.

Vernice Margrete Ione Aune was born on March 23, 1927 in West Valley Township, Marshall County, Minnesota the daughter of John C. and Clara (Berggren) Aune. She was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith. She attended country school and graduated from Newfolden High School in 1946. While attending high school Vernice worked as a switchboard operator at her aunt, Agnes Bakkes home in Newfolden. After graduation she worked at the Rex Caf in Thief River Falls.

On December 6, 1947 Vernice was united in marriage to Arnold Herbert Larson at her parents home east of Newfolden, MN. They settled on Sjogren family homestead in New Maine Township, Marshall County, MN. To this union five children were born, James, Donald, Sybil, Susan and Kari.

Vernice was a caring, loving person whose door was always open; the coffee pot was always on; and she was a gracious host. Vernices main focus in her life was her husband, children and grandchildren. She loved hugs from all of them and her life revolved around making them happy. Besides caring for her children, she opened her home to Billy Robison (Arnolds cousin) for 30 years.

Together they started with a dairy farm and eventually grew into beef cattle and small grain operation. Vernice especially enjoyed gardening and canning her produce. Everyone enjoyed her baking, especially her brown bread. She also enjoyed flower gardening, playing cards with the neighbors and dancing. Vernice was the news correspondent for Newfolden news for the local newspapers. In her later years enjoyed embroidery, reading and making quilts. In 2004, her sister, Carol came to stay with Vernice at the farm. In 2006 she moved to Valley Home in Thief River Falls and in 2010 she moved to Oakland Park Communities.

Vernice was a 55 year member of the American Legion Post 427 Auxiliary in Newfolden. She was recognized for many years of service as a 4-H leader and she attended the Evangelical Free Church in Newfolden where she served on the Ladies Aide for over 50 years.

Survivors include her children, Jim (Marsha) Larson of Blaine, MN, Don (Gail) Larson of Newfolden, MN, Sybil (Ken) Cwikla of Middle River, MN, Sue (Tom) Dondelinger of Thief River Falls, MN, and Kari (Todd) Jesme of Thief River Falls, MN; 11 grandchildren, Bryce Larson, Rachel Larson, Sarah (Bennie Peterson) Larson, Andy (special friend, Maggie Gernbacher) Larson, Josh Larson, Shane (Kelsey) Dondelinger, Lauren Dondelinger, Joey Dondelinger, Evan Dondelinger, Collin Jesme and Taylor Jesme; great grandson, Michael Dondelinger; sister, Carol Ness of Middle River; sisters-in-law, Shirley Lefrooth, Marlys Aune and Kathy Aune; and many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Arnold in 2005; parents; brothers, Norris and Vernon; and sister, Evelyn.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

Pianist: Judy Hogberg
Special Funeral Music: Wendy Blazejewski
Selections: Softly And Tenderly & Amazing Grace
Special Prayer Service Music: Lois Anderson & Lois Peterson
Special Prayer Service Selection: Because He Lives
Funeral Congregational Hymns: The Old Rugged Cross & How Great Thou Art
Casketbearers: Vernices Grandchildren