Vernice G. Eskildsen

Vernice G. Eskildsen, 90, of Fargo, ND, passed away Monday, December 2, 2024, in Eventide Fargo. 

Vernice Geneva Hovdenes was born June 12, 1934, along with her twin brother, Vernon, to Oliver and Emma (Tufto) Hovdenes, on a family farm near Hamar, ND. Raised on the family farm, her family’s Norwegian heritage and language were part of her childhood. It wasn’t until Vernice attended country school where she learned how to speak English. As a young girl, she loved to playhouse and care for her dolls. As she got older it was under the guidance of her mother and Aunt Kia, Vernice learned to cook and bake. including some delicious Norwegian goodies. A tradition she later passed on to her three daughters. 

As a young adult, Vernice worked by helping on nearby farms with cooking, cleaning and watching their children. Her life would then take a significant turn when she met William “Bill” Eskildsen and they were married on October 11, 1959, on the family farm. This union lasted for 58 years and was blessed with five children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, until Bill’s passing in 2018.

The couple made their home in Moorhead where Vernice was a devoted wife and mother raising their children. Actively involved and supportive of their activities, she served as a leader for their Boy Scout, Girl Scout and Campfire groups. As her children grew up and entered school, Vernice returned to work as a lunch lady and as a maid at a hotel. The family would also go on many vacations together to visit family. In their later years, Vernice and Bill enjoyed wintering in Arizona.

Along with baking, Vernice enjoyed doing crafts and embroidery. Having a love to socialize, she found joy in activities such as bowling, bingo and dancing. Vernice was also a lifetime member and past President of the VFW auxiliary where was deeply involved and formed many lifelong friendships. Additionally, she and Bill also dedicated countless hours volunteering at the VA Medical Center in Fargo honoring many veterans. 

Vernice is survived by her children, Glenn (Shelley) Eskildsen, Santee, CA, Marsha (Keith) Anderson, West Fargo, ND, Connie (David) Jarrett, Moorhead, MN, Wesley Eskildsen and Sandy (Steve) Otteson, both of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Ashley (Burt) Johnson, Deanna (Mike) Anderson, Lisa Randall, Oliver Eskildsen, Gregory Jarrett, Kaitlyn Jarrett, Karine Otteson and Jessica Otteson; great-grandchildren, Presley and Beckham Johnson; sisters-in-law, Viola Hovdenes, Tolna, ND, Idell Hovdenes, McVille, ND and. Mitchie Eskildsen, Virginia Beach, VA; brother-in-law, Richard (Denise) Eskildsen, Moorhead, MN and Marvin (Ida) Eskildsen, West Fargo, ND; many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; infant daughter, Roberta; granddaughter, Lacey Anderson; brothers, James and twin, Vernon; brother-in-law, Walter Eskildsen, Jr.; nephew, Jason Eskildsen; as well an many loved aunts, uncles and cousins. 

A Gathering for Family and Friends for Vernice will begin at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, December 10, 2024, followed by her Celebration of Her Life at 2:00 PM, in Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead. She will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND. 

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)