Verna Ecker

verna ecker

Verna Marion Ecker, 91, of Grandin, ND passed peacefully Saturday, April 19th 2014, surrounded by her family. 

Verna was born December 16, 1922, in Forest River, ND to John “Allen” and Gladys “Dollie” (Dunlop) Sampel.  Verna attended a rural school across the road from their house.  She attended Mayville College in 1940, then taught for two years in rural schools in Pembina and Walsh Counties.  In 1944 she was hired to teach in Grandin, North Dakota.

Verna married (Fredrick) Dean Ecker October 21, 1945 at her parents’ home near Forest River.  They raised four children on their farm west of Grandin, farming until retiring in 1985. Dean continued to help full time until his death in 1988.   Verna continued to lovingly prepare lunches for the men and was happiest when her family gathered around her dining room table enjoying one of her wonderful meals, especially if there was a new baby.  Verna was active in the Presbyterian Church as a teacher, Elder, and member of PW.  She was an intelligent, quiet, giving, politically minded, selfless person, always thinking of or praying for someone else.

Verna was preceded in death by her husband, Dean, siblings Lona O’Neil, and Gilbert Sampel.

Verna is survived by her children: Wesley (Myrna) Ecker, Grandin, ND, Perry (Sandy) Ecker, Watford City, ND, Hal (Pegi) Ecker, Fargo, ND, Eileen (Wade) Stubson, Fargo, ND, 7 grandchildren: Sara (Garner) Eeg, Greenbush, MN,  Dan (Mikaela) Ecker, Fargo, ND, Kami (Michael) Kindel, Bismarck, ND, Adam (Amanda) Stubson, St. Paul, MN, Drew Stubson, Fargo, ND, Scott Ecker and Molly Ecker, Fargo, ND, and 7 great-grandchildren, her sister Joyce (Howard) Bell of Indianapolis, IN, and sisters-in-law: Merle (Harold) Stokke, of Fargo, ND; Bev (Bob) Ecker, of Jamestown, ND, Bonnie (Gilbert) Sampel of Forest River, ND.

Memorials are preferred to the Grandin Community Cemetery.  

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  1. Fargo ND
    I have fond memories of your Mother as I was growing up. She was the nicest sweetest lady. She was my Sunday School teacher at one time. Whenever I came to Grandin for whatever activity was going on, she always came over and visited with me. I know you will all miss her terribly. Hang on to all the great memories you have and may God’s loving arms embrace you. God Bless.

  2. To Verna’s family: I’m so very sorry for your loss. May you be comforted by your fond memories of her and by God’s loving promise of the resurrection (Acts 24:15) when we can be reunited with our dear loved ones again.

  3. Grand Forks ND
    So sorry to hear of Verna’s passing. My dad was her cousin. She was so good to write to him while he was in WWII. Lord bless you all. Laurie (Dunlap) Krueger


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