Verna Cartford

Verna Lorraine Cartford nee: Matson, 89, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2013, in Walker Methodist Health Center, Minneapolis, MN. Verna was born December 9, 1923, in Thief River Falls, MN. At an early age she moved with her family to Crookston, MN, where she graduated Valedictorian of her high-school class. She went on to become a nurse at the University of Minnesota where she worked in operating rooms with world-famous surgeons. Verna returned to Crookston to work in the operating room of the old Bethesda Hospital and it was in Crookston where she met her husband-to-be, The Reverend Olaf Cartford. After their marriage they served congregations in Wadena and Verndale, MN, before moving to Moorhead where Olaf served in the district office of the ELCA. Olaf preceded Verna in death after 62 years of marriage. In Moorhead, Verna was active in numerous volunteer organizations, most notably the American Cancer Society, where she served on the board of directors. For her work as a volunteer, Verna was recognized by WCCO Radio as a Good Neighbor.

She is survived by brother, William Louise Matson of Minneapolis; niece, Helen Steven Emslander of Manawa, WI; nephew, Carlton Anita Matson of Rochester, MN; nephew, Charles Faye Matson of Lindstrom, MN; and nephew, Robert Matson of Ely, MN.

The funeral service will be Thursday, May 16, 2013, at 11 AM in Trinity Lutheran Church, 210 7th St. S, Moorhead, MN, 56560. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM in the church. Memorials preferred to Trinity Lutheran or to the Rev. Olaf C. and Verna L. Cartford Scholarship Fund, Concordia College, Moorhead, MN.