LaVerne C. Strid, 85, of McGregor, ND passed away at the Tioga Medical Center Long Term Care on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

LaVerne Carol Anne (Zelmar) Strid was born to Martin John and Cora Belle (Pepper) Zelmar on December 20, 1938 at Crosby, ND in Divide County.

LaVerne attended 1st and 2nd grade at a Country School by the Zelmar farm/homestead. They shared summers on the farm and winters in Wildrose where she attended her remaining school years. She graduated from Wildrose High School in 1957. While attending Wildrose High she was the 5’2 Bass Drummer of the Wildrose Band for 4 years. She even played for them after she was married when they needed help. She told stories of “dancing down the street” while marching with the Bass drum.

LaVerne was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Wildrose Lutheran church.

She also worked as a waitress at the Wildrose Café which her mother Cora Zelmar operated.

LaVerne met Anton “Tony” Strid while walking with a friend to a dance in Wildrose. He stopped his “beautiful new blue car” and asked them if they would like a ride. She and her friend thought “yes, they would like a ride,” but neither wanted to sit next to him. So she and her friend argued back and forth “you sit by him…..No, you sit by him….” Eventually LaVerne ended up sitting next to Tony and the romance began and continued for 2 years. They were married in Wildrose Lutheran Church on July 7, 1957. They remained happily married sweethearts for 59 years.

LaVerne and Tony farmed, raised cattle, chickens and milk cows. They had two children; a daughter, Renae LaVonne (Strid) Mehlhoff and a son, RayDean Jon Strid. LaVerne also sold Mary Kay.

She was a member of McGregor Zion Lutheran Church and an active member of WELCA.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband, Anton “Tony” Strid; her parents, Martin & Cora Zelmar; siblings: brother, Verdan Zelmar; sisters: Claryce Frederickson, Darlene Zelmar, Lillian Soholt, & brother-in-law, Thor Strand.

She is survived by her children, Renae (Robert) Mehlhoff of Bismarck ND, and RayDean (Juli) Strid of McGregor ND. She has 6 grandchildren: Brandon Mehlhoff, John Strid & Fiancée, Fritzie Joy DeLeon, Ryan (Chrystal) Strid, La’tish Mehlhoff, Matthew Strid, Tara (Tyler) (Mehlhoff) Fjeldahl and 1 great-grandson, Roland Jeremy Strid. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and sisters-in-law, Eileen Strand, Eva Renn & Irene Jakobsen.

Although Tony was known for his storytelling; LaVerne could also be very entertaining! Her favorite title was “Grandma” and her grandchildren absolutely adored & loved her. She loved singing and dancing. She and Tony square danced in McGregor. She enjoyed ceramics, embroidery, crocheting afghans, reading, camping with family and friends, gardening, canning, flower beds, cooking and baking. They also enjoyed two cruises one to the Caribbean and an Alaskan Cruise which they thoroughly loved.

LaVerne had a heart of gold. She had the knack of touching the hearts of many as seen by the sparkle of her eyes, her cheerful smile and wide-open arms which offered hugs for everyone she met. She was well loved by many young and old alike. She truly lived the motto: “The love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay; love isn’t love until you give it away.” Please share and continue “LaVerne’s Legacy” by sharing that love with others each and every day.

Thank You