Verna Mae Goldal

Verna Mae “Mamie” (Murray) Goldal, age 82, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025, in Fargo, ND, surrounded by the love and presence of her children Angela Mae and Ray.

Verna Mae was born on July 9th, 1942, to Ray and Hazel (Schlosser) Murray. She entered the world on the family farm near Campbell, MN, delivered with the help of a dear family friend, Mae, who would become the inspiration for her middle name.

Being one of twelve siblings, Verna Mae’s early years were filled with the charm and hustle of farm life. Favorite memories of hers were milking the cows and driving the tractor with her dad. She learned the value of hard work, but also the importance of spending special family time with her parents and siblings. She attended a one room country schoolhouse through the fourth grade before the family moved into town in 1952. In Campbell, Verna Mae blossomed – attending Campbell Public School where she played snare drum in the marching band, participated in school plays, and made memories of ice skating, roller skating, and fishing with her best friends.

In 1960, Verna Mae graduated from New York Hairdressing Academy in Fargo, beginning a long and successful career in the beauty industry. With her signature blend of charm, warmth, and skill, she quickly became a beloved beautician in Mayville, where she worked at Joyce’s Beauty Salon, Norma’s Beauty Box, and then owned her own salon, Verna’s Hair Design.

An adventurer at heart, Verna Mae loved to travel. A favorite destination was Texas, where she and several friends would travel to during the winter. There, they would dance the nights away and go shopping across the border in Mexico. She was always up for an adventure, even parasailing in Venezuela with her brother Ray – an experience she recounted with pride (and a big grin) for years afterward. Her most special trip was to Hawaii in 1986 where she and Paul celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

In her later years, Verna Mae found her greatest joy spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She lit up every time they walked into the room. She was especially proud of her granddaughter Alyssa Mae for following in her footsteps as a cosmetologist and salon owner – continuing her legacy of strong, creative women in the family.

Verna Mae spent her retirement years in Fargo, most recently at Edgewood where she never missed a bingo game or live musical event. She found delight and pride in her needle work projects, and spending time with her cat George. Sitting out on her patio with friends became a source of so much joy for her. Her wit, warmth, and signature sparkle made her a fast friend and favorite to many.

Verna Mae is survived by her children, Ray (Melissa) Goldal of Elkhorn NE, and Angela Mae (Steve) Bagan of West Fargo, ND. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Hudson Goldal, Garhett Goldal, Gavin Goldal and Livia Mae Bagan; Brady (Carly) Thorson and their children Raelyn Mae and Paxton, Alyssa Mae Thorson and her son Bridger; Cassidy (Johnny) Beeninga and their son Crew; brothers Marvin and Ray; sisters Louise, Joyce and Linda.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Hazel, husband Paul and son Lynn; brothers Elmer, Harold, and Tom; sisters Violet, Marge, and Ruth.

Verna Mae Goldal will be honored with a celebration of her life on Wednesday, May 21st, at 2 PM at Boulger Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 1 PM. Graveside service in Mayville at the Mayville Cemetery will be at 5 PM.

Special thanks and gratitude to Pastor Robert Grohman who will be officiating. Verna Mae grew to know him during her chapel services at Edgewood.