Verla Nitschke

Verla Nitschke, 89, Bismarck, ND died Thursday evening December 29, 2011 at the St. Gabriel's Community at Bismarck, ND

Verla Withnell was born March 24, 1922 at Jamestown, ND, the daughter of Thomas Withnell and Mabel (Carlson) Withnell. She received her elementary education and graduated from Jud High School in 1940. She helped on the family farm. In 1941 she moved to St. Paul. MN to live with her aunt and uncle and worked as a sales clerk for 2 months. She returned to Jud to help take care of her mother and help by working in the chicken hatchery business in Jud.

She and Oscar Fregien were married August 26, 1942. In 1943 she moved back to Jud to help her parents who took ownership with a grocery store. She was the bookkeeper and a clerk for 18 years.

She and Richard Nitschke were married June 26, 1949. They made their home in Jud where Richard farmed with his brothers. In 1952 they moved to Richard's sister's farm until moving back to Jud in 1957 where they farmed until their retirement in 1977. In 1986 they moved to Mandan, ND to be closer to family. Following the death of her husband on August 6, 2000 she continued to reside in Mandan.

She was a member of the United Church of Christ(Congregational). She enjoyed crocheting and sewing for her family. She also enjoyed going to the casino once in a while, and also playing pinochle.

She is survived by 1 son, Kent (Jan) Fregien, Red Wing, MN; 2 daughters, Cheryl (Dale) Schulz, Center, ND; JoWella (Rick) Bennett, Mandan, ND; 12 grandchildren; Todd Schulz, Julie Balfanz, Jennifer Moore, Jodi Lundell, Jeff Fregien, Lance Schulz, Jackie Messerschmidt, Jason Fregien, Jeremy Fregien,
Amber Bohl, Trent Bennett, Mindi Bennett, 18 great grandchildren; Alex Lundell, Reid Lundell, Cole Lundell, Alexis Moore, Kyli Moore, Mason Schulz, Devin Schulz, Trae Bennett, McKenzie Bennett, Patrick Balfanz, Ryan Balfanz, Jared Messerschmidt, Jayce Messerschmidt, Brennen Bohl, Alivia Bohl, Anna Fregien, Seth Fregien, Levi Fregien,
1 brother, Melvin (Lee Ann) Withnell, Pueblo, CO, and 1 sister, Della Mayer, Bemidji, MN.

She is preceded in death by her parents, 1 grandson, Trevor Bennett, 2 great grandsons, Zachary and Tanner Lundell and 1 sister, Viola Rode.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Monday January 2, 2012 at the United Methodist Church in Jud, ND with Pastor Rodney Ulmer, officiating.

The interment will be at United Church of Christ Cemetery in Jud, ND.

Visitation: 4-7 Sunday January 1, 2012 at the Haut Funeral Chapel in Jamestown, ND

Prayer Service: 7:00 PM Sunday at the Haut Funeral Chapel in Jamestown, ND