Laverne "Vern" Marvin Bolstad

Vern’s Live Streamed Memorial Service can be viewed below starting at 9:45 AM on Friday:

Vern Bolstad, 85, Fargo passed away Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at St. Catherine’s North, Fargo.

Vern was born December 11, 1937 in Colfax, North Dakota to Lester and Marjorie (Boyer) Bolstad. He graduated from Colfax High School in 1954. He worked for his uncle on the farm before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1957. He married Ilene Johnson on May 3, 1958 in the Chapel of Trinity Lutheran Church, Rapid City, SD. He continued to serve in the Air Force before being honorably discharged in 1962.

They continued to make their home in Rapid City where he worked in banking before moving to LaSalle, CO to continue his career. They moved to Fargo in 1964 where he worked for Dakota National Bank for several years where he started as a loan officer and advanced to Senior Vice President. He then became owner and operator of I-29 Standard Station from 1978-1981. He also ran the Bucking B Ranch in Moorhead, MN where he trained, bred, and boarded quarter horses. Finally, he oversaw Corwin all car leasing before becoming general manager of Corwin-Chrysler-Dodge. He moved to LaCrosse, WI where he worked as the general manager of Dahl Ford Motors. They moved back to Fargo in 1996, where he started Midwest Auto Brokers and was finally able to enjoy retirement starting in 2015.

He loved spending time hunting and fishing, especially going to Devils Lake and spending time with his family. Becoming a grandpa was one of his pride and joys and he loved holding his new grandchild whenever he could.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ilene, Fargo, ND; children, Lynn (Dawn) Bolstad, Fargo, ND, Todd (Tammy) Bolstad, Fergus Falls, MN, Brenda (Steve) Iverson, Moorhead, MN, Cindy (Kyle) Schaefer, Valley City, ND; 6 grandchildren, Logan (fiancé Jordie Salwei) Bolstad, Vergas, MN, Courtney Bolstad, Birmingham, AL, Alex Iverson, Bemidji, MN, Blake Iverson, Moorhead, MN, Brady (Kari) Sahr, Shevlin, MN, Tyler Sahr, West Fargo, ND; 2 great-grandchildren, Gracie Jo Sahr, Bella Marie Sahr; sisters, Judy (Ron) Metcalf, Fargo, ND, Becky (Roger) Moe, Walcott, ND.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Vern’s family would like to give a special thank you to St. Catherine’s North and Hospice of the Red River Valley for the kindness and care shown to Vern in his final days.

Celebration of Vern’s Life: 10:00 A.M. Friday, June 16, 2023 at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo with visitation starting at 9:00 A.M.

Interment: Fargo National Cemetery, rural Harwood, ND.

Video Tribute: