LaVerna Nelson

LaVerna M. Nelson, known fondly by her nickname "Jiggs," passed away peacefully on September 3, 2026. Born on February 10, 1937, in Steele, North Dakota, LaVerna lived a life that was fiercely dedicated to her family, her North Dakota roots, and her joy of discovery. As the saying goes, "Where we love is home, home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts" - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, September 14, 2026, at DaWise-Perry/Mandan Crematory with Dale Nabben officiating. Burial will be in North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled one hour prior to the service at DaWise-Perry / Mandan Crematory, 4211 Old Red Trail, Mandan.

LaVerna was a loyal wife to Ronald Nelson, her beloved husband of over six decades whom she married on March 9, 1958. A spirited mother, she spent most of her life as a devoted stay-at-home mom, nurturing her children, Bryan Nelson and his wife Cheryl, Jerry Nelson and his wife Darla, and her daughter, Connie Nelson. LaVerna was resilient, moving her family across the country, from Jamestown, North Dakota, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rapid City, South Dakota, Salt Lake City, Utah, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and finally to Fort Worth, Texas, before settling in The Woodlands, Texas. Throughout these moves, her love for North Dakota never wavered and she made sure her family knew their roots.

LaVerna had a passion for sewing and crafts, often creating beautiful pieces for her loved ones. Her interest in genealogy led her to become an active member of the Germans from Russia Bismarck Chapter, where she connected with others who shared her enthusiasm. LaVerna also loved to travel, sightseeing, and visiting family members spread across the country. She is survived by her five grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy and happiness.

LaVerna was predeceased by her parents, Dorothy and Edward Teske, her husband, Ronald Nelson, and her siblings Marilyn, Eddie, Jim, Bob, Pat, Geraldine, Leroy, Dave, and Gene. Her spirit, warmth, and zest for life will live on in the hearts of her family members and those who knew her.

We encourage those who knew and loved LaVerna to share their memories, stories, and photographs on her memorial page, to help us all remember the wonderful life she lived. As said by Anatole France, "All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another." Though LaVerna has moved on to another life, her legacy will continue in the hearts and memories of those she left behind.