James Robert "Bob" Verwest

  James Robert Verwest, age 87, of Mayville, formerly Finley, ND passed away on September 6, 2023. He was born March 18, 1936 in Page, ND to Hadley and Margit (Raaen) Verwest.

   He grew up on the family farm in east Pickert. He attended grade school at the Pickert School and was confirmed at St. Petri Lutheran Church rural Pickert. Bob graduated from Hope High School in 1954 and attended NDSU before entering the army in 1954: stationed in Alaska. He was honorably discharged in 1956.

  He married the love of his life Judy Soholt on October 18, 1958 in Mayville.  Bob and Judy farmed with his father and brother. They had three children Shari, Scott and Mark. Bob farmed for over 40 years, and also had dairy cattle, did carpentry work, building and remodeling houses and putting up pole barns in the winter months. He was active on several boards including the Steele County Crop & Livestock Association, Dakota Water Users, Finley Elevator, Township board and Church council.

   Bob was known for telling a good joke, great stories and playing pranks on everyone! He loved to laugh and make people laugh! He enjoyed watching sports, reading, people watching and visiting.

   Bob was so proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He attended many sporting events over the years cheering them on. You could just see his eyes light up when the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came to visit.

   He is survived by his wife: Judy of almost 65 years; their three children: Shari (Keith) Palmer of Sharon, ND, Scott (Valerie) Verwest of Argusville, ND and Mark (Susan) Verwest of Portland, ND; grandchildren: Brady (Hilary) Palmer, Shawn Palmer (Lyndsay Burns), Taylor (Ben) Cigelske, Hailey (Joe) Strauss, Paige Verwest (Taylor Kyllo), Jacob, Justin and Hadley Verwest; great-grandchildren: Owen, Harrison and Quinn Palmer, Rory and Riley Cigelske, Grady and Brooks Strauss; brother: Hadley Verwest; sister-in-law: Donna Jean Verwest; brother-in-law: Donald Gilbertson and eight nieces.

   He was preceded in death by his parents: Hadley and Margit Verwest; in-laws: Knut and Alma Soholt; brother: Nolan Verwest; sisters-in-law Maxine Strom, Karen Gilbertson and Linda Lande; brothers-in-law: Mervin Karlstad and James Lande; nephews: Todd and Bruce Karlstad.

Visitation:  Will be 5–7 PM on Sunday, September 10, 2023 with a 7:00 PM Public Prayer Service at the Finley Lutheran Church in Finley, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service.

Funeral Service: Will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, September 11, 2023 at the Finley Lutheran Church in Finley, ND.

Military Honors: Finley American Legion Post 13 and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors.

Burial: Will be in the Finley Cemetery in Finley, ND.