Laverne V. Gaarder

LaVerne V. Gaarder, Age 83 of Edmore, passed away on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at her daughters' home in Edinburg. LaVerne V. Vorachek was born January 19, 1927 in Lankin, ND the daughter of the late James H. and Mayme (Swartz) Vorachek. She graduated from Lankin High School and continued her education at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis graduating with a degree in Business. Following her education she worked for the Bank of America in San Marino, CA. She returned to Lankin a few years later and starting working for Citizens State Bank in Lankin. She was united in marriage to Earl Gaarder on November 5, 1960 in Lankin. She later moved to Edmore and managed the Edmore branch of the bank for many years. In 1982 she became President and CEO of the Citizens State Bank and was currently the CEO at the time of her death. LaVerne was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Park River. She was a lifetime member of the Edmore Historical Society and a member of the North Dakota Bankers Association. LaVerne loved to spend time with her family and liked to travel. She liked cooking, baking. LaVerne enjoyed working with the farmers of Northeast North Dakota and was proud to be a part of the agricultural community. She is survived by her children: Marjie Jonasson, Edinburg, ND; Jim (Jane) Gaarder, New York, New York; two granddaughters: Mara and Rachel Jonasson, both of Edinburg, ND. LaVerne was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Earl, ten brothers and sisters and grandson Jerry. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, October 1, 2010 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Lankin. Visitation will be Thursday, September 30, 2010 from 5-7 PM with a Rosary at 7 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may also call the church for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Trinity Cemetery, Edinburg. Memorials are suggested to the LaVerne V. Gaarder Foundation.