December 29, 2010

LaVerne Neether

LaVerne Neether, 77, of Williston, N.D., formerly of Watford City, N.D., died at the Bethel Lutheran Nursing Home in Williston on Wednesday evening, Dec. 22, 2010, where he had been residing.
His Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, Dec. 27, 2010, at Epiphany Catholic Church in Watford City. Father John Pfeifer officiated, and interment followed at Schafer Cemetery. A Scriptural Prayer service was held at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday at the church. Friends may share condolences and memories with the family online at www.fulkersons.com.
LaVerne S. Neether was born Jan. 27, 1933, on the family farm near Donnybrook, N.D., to David and Mabel (Mader) Neether. He later moved to Stanley and lived with his sister, Virgil, while he attended Stanley High School, where he excelled in football, and was known for his kind heart and tough farm-kid ways.
On July 16, 1953, LaVerne enlisted in the US Army. He was honorably discharged on June 13, 1955, at Camp Hanford, Wash.
He was working in Tioga as a plumber’s assistant when he met the love of his life, a beautiful woman with dark hair wearing a red dress – named Shirley Pederson. LaVerne’s favorite color from then on was red. The couple married on May 24, 1957, and were married for 47 years before Shirley’s death in 2005. They initially resided in Tioga, later moved to Keene, and settled in Watford City.
LaVerne took great pride in his career and had many accomplishments in the oilfield. He began his oilfield career with KBM Well Service, followed by many years of employment with Skelly Oil and Getty Oil, and eventually retired from Texaco Oil Company.
He loved the outdoors, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, breaking horses, and taking walks. He also loved animals, and enjoyed the simple things in life, like watching sunsets, looking at the North Dakota scenery, watching the birds, and driving through the Badlands. LaVerne’s sense of humor was one of his dearest qualities, and he loved to play jokes on his family and friends. He also loved following his kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events with Shirley.
LaVerne is survived by his son, Michael (Claudette) Neether of Williston, and their children, Desri Neether of Maple Grove, Minn., Brent Neether (Alicia Lynch) of Williston, Tyler Neether (Stefanie Merck) of Minot, N.D., and Tessa Neether of Fargo, ND; daughter, Tammy Wilson (Kirk Wold) of Watford City, and her children, Chassie (Darrick) Frank, and their son, Darron, of Sheilds, N.D., Chance Wilson of Watford City, and Tanner Wold of Watford City, Dawn (Dan) Pearson of Bismarck, N.D., and their children, Tanner Pearson and Maggie Pearson, Pam (Chad) Wegleitner and their daughters, Madison and Maci, of Minot, N.D., and Preston (Amanda) Pearson and their son, Hayden, of Fargo, ND; son, James (Angie) Neether of Shawnee, Okla., and their children, Justin, Dakota and Hunter; his siblings, Virgil Wilhelmi of Williston, Betty Pederson of Stanley, N.D., DuWayne “Wacker” (Kay) Neether of Gillette, Wyo., and Lorraine (Wally) Erickson of Bismarck; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and special friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beautiful wife, Shirley; son, Stephen Mark Neether; and brother, Dennis Neether.
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER