Fulkerson - Stevenson Funeral Home It Is Our Privilege And Purpose To Serve You Springan - Stevenson Funeral Home
Fulkerson - Stevenson Funeral Home
Springan - Stevenson Funeral Home
It Is Our Privilege And Purpose To Serve You
Vera Lou Kummer
April 15, 1939 - March 18, 2019

Place of Birth: Bismarck, ND
Residence: W Fargo, ND formerly of Watford City, ND
Age: 79


Vera Lou Kummer, 79, formerly of Watford City, ND, passed away March 18, 2019 at Eventide Sheyenne Crossings, West Fargo, ND. Vera was born April 15, 1939, in Bismarck, ND. She was the second child of Andrew and Bertha Bentz, born minutes after her twin sister, Verna. Vera’s family lived in Turtle Lake, ND, until she was thirteen when they moved to Bismarck. She graduated from Bismarck High School in 1957. Vera attended Bismarck Junior College for one year then transferred to Minot State College where she earned a standard, two-year, elementary teaching degree. After graduating from college, Vera accepted a teaching position at Watford City Elementary School. One night, during her first year teaching in Watford City, Vera went to the local bowling alley with friends. There she met a handsome local man, Jack Kummer, who had recently returned home from serving in the Air Force overseas. Jack and Vera were married at Pella Lutheran Church in Sydney, MT, on July 26, 1960. They made their home in Watford City, where they raised three children: Larry, Gail and Steve. Vera continued to teach in area schools, including Johnson Corner, Mandaree and Grassy Butte, during the years her children were young. When state law changed in the early 1970s, requiring a four-year teaching degree, Vera became a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at McKenzie County Hospital. She worked there for 21 years. Jack and Vera enjoyed spending weekends at nearby Lake Sakakawea. Vera considered the lake the best place on earth and enjoyed going on pontoon rides, pit barbeques and visiting with family and friends on the deck. Later in life Vera loved being a grandmother. She always had time to play with her four cherished grandchildren and referred to the years when they were growing up as the happiest of her life. Vera bowled in women’s league for many years and was an active member of First Lutheran Church, the Upper Missouri Cluster and Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (WELCA,) serving three terms as WELCA president. She was a dedicated volunteer for the American Legion Auxiliary and managed the hospital equipment loan program out of her garage for many years. Vera cheerfully donated her time and talents to the American Cancer Society, United Blood Services, infant-toddler screening, Meals on Wheels and other worthy causes. After Jack passed away in 1998, Vera grew closer to her friends at the Senior Center and Good Shepherd Home, where she volunteered. She moved to the Good Shepherd Home following a stroke in 2009. Following the death of her oldest son, Larry, in 2013, Vera left Watford City, her home of 50 years. She moved to the nursing home in Jamestown to be closer to her daughter, Gail, and her family. When Bruce and Gail moved to western MN in June 2014, Vera moved to Sheyenne Crossings in West Fargo. Vera loved music, especially gospel and country western, and had a lovely singing voice. In recent years Vera slipped progressively into dementia, yet her musical memory remained blessedly intact. When sung a few bars of a familiar song, Vera would join in and often remember additional verses.
Vera leaves behind her daughter, Gail (Bruce) Wold, Pelican Rapids, MN; son, Steve Kummer, Pelican Rapids, MN; daughter-in-law, Pam (Kummer) Durham, Watford City, ND; grandchildren Jeff (Valerie) Kummer, Watford City, ND; Cassie (Curtis) Golde, Kenmare, ND; Paige (Clint) Cermak, West Fargo, ND; Lauren (Robby) Trefethren, Moorhead, MN; great grandchildren Blake, Christian, Livia, Miah and Josie Kummer; Delaney and Linley Golde; Abigail and Fiona Cermak; Josslyn and Ames Trefethren and sister-in-law Wanda (Don) Pedersen, Bismarck, ND.
Vera is preceded in death by her husband, William (Jack) Kummer; son, Larry Kummer; parents, Andrew and Bertha (Weber) Bentz; twin sister, Verna Bentz; brother, Virgil Bentz and half-brother, Thomas Hibl.

Sign Guest Book

* Name

City

State

Phone

Email

* Message

Image

Image Description:

Type the characters from the second box into the text box
  

* Required Fields

Larry & Tanya Andersen (Watford City, ND)
Mar 18, 2019
To Vera’s family,
So sorry to hear of Vera’s passing. She was a very hard worker and very generous with her time and resources. She’ll truly be missed.
Gordon and Rita Cermak (McClusky, ND)
Mar 18, 2019
We are so sorry to hear of Vera's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Jaylyn Saunders (Watford City, ND)
Mar 18, 2019
I was very sadden to hear if Veras passing. I knew Vera most of my life as she was one of my teachers in grade school. When I was much older I had the privilege of taking care of her at the nursing home in Watford City. She would always have a story to tell and she knew the latest happenings going on around town. She will be missed by many. Hugging prayers to her family!
Karen Holte (Watford City, ND)
Mar 18, 2019
My deepest sympathies to Vera’s children and their families. I fondly remember having fun talks with Vera at Jeff and Casey’s hockey games. She was very proud of her grandchildren. Rest In Peace dear Vera.
Tim Gaudreau (Casper, WY)
Mar 19, 2019
Gail, Steve and the Kummer family. We are so sorry for your loss of Vera. Her and Jack were great neighbors and Stacey and I will always remember our kids calling her Grandma Vera. May she rest in peace.
Tricia Sundeen (Watford City, ND)
Mar 19, 2019
What a need lady! A truly kind person with the best smile! Enjoy your new home Vera - I have a feeling you are loving it :)
Jeff & Ann Johnsrud
Mar 19, 2019
We were so saddened to hear of Vera's passing. Jack and Vera were good friends of my parents Bill and Millie Faulkner. These four worked tirelessly for the American Legion and Auxiliary. I remember Vera teaching Sunday School and working at the hospital. She was a very kind soul. I did a lot of babysitting for the family when I was younger! I have thought of Vera often since she left Watford City. Prayers and sympathy to the family. Vera will be missed.
Keith Backes (Sidney, Montana)
Mar 21, 2019
Vera was such a joy to be around. Her generosity to the Physical Therapy Department at the hospital was greatly appreciated. Will always remember her giggle. RIP Vera.
Larry & Ruth Ann Kauk (Eureka , SD)
Mar 21, 2019
Vera is such a special person to our family. We looked forward to her visits and we have many fond memories of her times with us. We are so thankful
to have had her as part of our family! She was an awesome lady!!
Anthony Kauk (Brookings , SD)
Mar 21, 2019
I am sad to hear that she has passed but I know in my heart she is in a better place. I will never forget the many visits from “grandma” Vera and the memories we shared! Sending prayers your way.
Lynn (Heiser) Meuchel (Williston, ND)
Mar 22, 2019
Gail, Steve, and the Kummer Family. I am so sorry for your loss. I have many memories of Vera. What a wonderful lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Find joy in the memories you hold.
Eleanore feeney (Watford city, North dakota)
Mar 22, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. Vera and Jack were always so good to bill. Both very good people.
Eleanor Kostad (Watford City, ND)
Mar 23, 2019
Deepest sympathy. To Veras family. I worked with Vera on a lot of church things. She will be remembered for all the things she did for people. I don’t think she ever said no. I’m unable to come to the services but I am thinking of you at this time
Elaine Fedorenko (Watford City, nd)
Mar 25, 2019
I just heard about Vera entering her new heavenly home. When she came to teach in Watford, she lived in our basement apt. What a joy she was, always happy, when I would visit her in later years at GSH, she still had her engaging smile and giggle. Prayers of precious memories for your family.
No Photos available