|
Donald Jerome Berland • 1929 - 2003 Donald Jerome Berland, 73, Velva, died Thursday, March 27, 2003, in a Minot hospital. Donald was born December 31, 1929, in Lake Park, Minnesota, the son of Johnnie and Alice (Harness) Berland. He was educated in Lake Park, MN, and baptized and confirmed there. At the age of 14, he moved to the Simcoe, ND, area and was employed at his uncle, Lawrence Harness' farming operation. On October 28, 1950 Don was united in marriage to Laurel Jean Berg at the Stenkjaer Lutheran Church in Simcoe. He managed grain elevators for several years in Simcoe and Carbury and in 1956 they moved to Hettinger where he managed the Hettinger Equity Elevator. Don also had business interests in trucking and crop spraying. In 1971 the family moved to Scott City, Kansas where he was the manager for the Sorghum Division for Weather Master Seeds. Yearning to be closer to his family roots, they moved to Velva, ND in December of 1978 and purchased the Pioneer Bar. Don was a member of the Southwestern Grain Dealers Association, a former member of the Elks Lodge, and the Hettinger Fire Department. He was an avid flyer and held a pilot's license for 20 years. He traveled frequently to Canada for hunting and fishing trips. He took great pride in his cooking and loved to entertain friends. Don made many, many friends throughout the United States and Canada, and was happiest when surrounded by them. Don and Jean spent many summer weekends fishing at the New Town Marina. He enjoyed his life on earth to the fullest, and loved his children and grandchildren. He believed in hard work and instilled good work ethics in his children. He also loved playing pinochle and shooting pool. His greatest passion was to tease those he liked best. Survivors: Wife, Laurel Jean Berland, Velva; sons, Larry Berland, Hazen, Richard Berland, Jamestown, and Ronald Berland, Scott City, KS; daughter, Linda Berland, Velva; five grandchildren, Christy (Jason) Vogel, Sarah, Erik and Holly Berland, and Amy Nodine; five great-grandchildren, Kyra Vogel, William, Alyssa and Anna Nodine, and Kaitlin Berland; two brothers, Wayne Berland, Kenmare, and Allen "Jack" Berland, Gillette, WY; two sisters, Delores (Arlo) Faul, Lodi, CA, and Evelyn Brekke, Velva; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Gordon Berland. Funeral: Tuesday, April 1, 2003, at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva, ND. Visitation: There will be no reviewal, but friends may sign the register, Monday, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Velva. Burial: Tuesday at 3:00 p.m., at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND. In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to an organization of the donor's choice. Officiant: Rev. Mary A. Schave Music: Thelma Lysne, vocalist, "On Eagles Wings"
and "In The Garden" Active Bearers: Dale Wasson, Lamont Leingang, Gary Nesheim, LeRoy Lesteberg, Tom Shirek Willie Holzer Honorary Bearers: Don's grandchildren and great-grandchildren and his many friends throughout the United States and Canada |