Vernice Anna Marie Gandrud

Vernice Anna Marie Gandrud, 95, was born on January 27th, 1926 to Bernard and Clara (Knutson) Johnson in Pelican Rapids, MN. She passed peacefully on May 30, 2021 with family by her side.

Vernice and her 9 siblings grew up and attended country school in Pelican Rapids. On December 28, 1945 Vernice was united in marriage to Gehard Gandrud and they owned a dairy farm north of Detroit Lakes.

Vernice was a hard-working farmer’s wife who raised four children on the family farm while being a master at cooking, baking, sewing, driving tractor, and helping operate the farm.

She was known to attend WeFest with Helen and Iona where they would do their best to get chairs as close to the stage as possible. She was a whiz with her sewing machine and her family has many well-mended clothing items to prove it.

She had a knack for knowing what to cook for EVERY occasion and it was always homemade and delicious (baked beans were her specialty!) Just don’t ask Vernice for milk for your coffee!!! She always had homemade bread, cookies, and doughnuts on hand. Each morning Gehard would bring her coffee and a cookie to share; this was always referred to as “short coffee” because Gehard delivered the coffee in his shorts! She could beat anyone at a game of cards and wouldn’t let you forget it! She loved flowers and all birds that would stop at her feeders.

Vernice enjoyed having a cold brew, a good meal while listening to country music (especially Vince Gill), playing cards, watching American Idol or The Voice, CMT awards, and game shows. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with family!

Vernice had a kind heart, a hilarious sense of humor and a wit that was enjoyed by everybody around her.  Her door was always open to family, especially grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as neighbors and friends. Vernice was also a magnificent yodeler (except she rarely showed off this talent; no one knew why).

During her 95 years, Vernice and Gehard had four children: Bruce (Marcie) Gandrud, Bonnie Wold, Becky Edwards (Tim McCaslin), Brian (Michele) Gandrud. Vernice and Geherd also acquired a bonus son, Paul (Patty) Larson She was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Michael Heinlein, Keith (Stacy) Heinlein, Jenny (Ryan) Kavinsky, Nancy (Drew) Updike, John (Angie) Wold, Sally (Chris) Kaml, Harlan (Justin) David, Kristian Gandrud, Tyler (Catherine) Gandrud, Molly Gandrud. She also was self-appointed “greatest” grandma to 14 great-grandchildren: Joseph Heinlein, Wyatt Heinlein, Henry Heinlein, Kristina Heinlein, Charlie Heinlein, Greta Kavinsky, Mikkel Heinlein, Bodie Kaml, George Heinlein, Isabelle Wold, Decker Kaml, Oliver Updike, Weston Wold, and Remy Updike.

The Family would like Memorials to be made to Richwood Lutheran Cemetery in honor of Vernice.

Vernice Gandrud Memorial Folder