Verlee Ardell Kjosen, 87, of Stanley, ND, passed away on April 19, 2024, at the Mountrail Bethel Home in Stanley, ND.

Verlee was born in White Earth, ND to Vernon and Mildred Thompson on December 21, 1936. She was born the second of ten children and spent her childhood on the family farm south of White Earth. Verlee was baptized and confirmed in the First Lutheran Church of White Earth. She went to the Momb schoolhouse before graduating from White Earth High School.

While in White Earth Verlee met her husband Don of 68 years. They enjoyed many dances in the White Earth hall as well as Poncho’s. Their love of dancing was an activity they both really enjoyed. During her High School summers she would work in Minot babysitting. Don would hustle to Minot after work on Friday night and bring her home for the weekends so they could dance.

Growing up, Verlee had the love of music from her father Vernon who was an accomplished fiddle player. Verlee as well as her sister DeAnne, would take turns playing piano accompanying her father. When talking about music Verlee would always say “music just makes you feel good”.

After graduating from high school at the age of 18, Verlee left home to meet Don who was in the Army at Fort Knox, Kentucky. She often mentioned it was exciting but very scary and being gone from her siblings made her homesick. On July 16, 1955 Don and Verlee were married in Jeffersonville, Indiana. During Don's time in the Army she worked as a daycare provider. Many new friends were made during this time of her life.

After being discharged from the Army, Don and Verlee landed in Tioga, ND. Verlee said she was so happy to be back in the area with her family. During their time in Tioga their daughter Donelle and son Mark were born as well as a baby who died at birth. In 1968 Don and Verlee moved to Stanley where Don was employed by Stanley Equipment and Verlee at the Mountrail Bethel Home where she worked for the 40+ years. In Stanley their daughter Mari was born.

Verlee appreciated her family and loved the time she could spend with all of them. Many weekends were spent packed into the small farm home where she grew up enjoying delicious food and maybe a card game. She loved to "have a tune" with her brother Larry or her Dad Vernon.

Verlee is survived by her husband; Don, children, Mark Kjosen (Monica), and Mari Gleason; five Grandchildren, Danny Niemitalo (Laura) , Ann (Brian) McDermott, Thomas Kjosen (Molly), Maria Zamarripa (Danny), and Lauren Gleason; eight Great Grandchildren; Lydia, Jack, Lane, Landon, Annabelle, and Josie; Step-Grandchild Kayden and Brennan; one Step-Great-Great Grandson Atlas; Sister; Joan (Jerry) Long; Brother, Steven Thompson; Brother-in-law; Raymond Iverson, Joe Ness, and Jack Cremer; Sister-in-Law, Beverly Thompson and Penny Thompson; Several nephews and nieces.

She is preceded in death by her daughter; Donelle Niemitalo and son Baby Kjosen; great-granddaughter Sadie Zamarripa; Son-in-Law; Wesley Niemitalo; parents; Vernon and Mildred Thompson; Sisters, Betty Thompson, Sandra Creamer, DeAnne Iverson, Edith Elvick, and Debbie Ness; Brothers; Larry Thompson, and Jerry Thompson.