LaVerne M. Triplett

LaVerne Marie Irgens Triplett, 96, of Bismarck ND, died December 21, 2022, in Northfield MN while visiting relatives after attending a granddaughter’s wedding. She died peacefully in her sleep as she had wished, after five days in hospital.

LaVerne Irgens was born August 15, 1926, near Tolley, Renville County, ND, to Harold Irgens and Pauline ‘Polly’ (Ethen) Irgens. She spent her childhood on a farm along the Souris River north of Tolley. She was the oldest of three siblings.

She attended a one-room country school through fourth grade, at which time the family had to leave their idyllic valley home. The land on which they were living was taken by the federal government for the development of the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge.

LaVerne never stopped reminiscing about her charmed childhood: tending farm animals, riding a horse to school, and sharing adventures with neighboring children, several of whom became lifelong dear friends.

As a testament to the high-quality education she received in country school, LaVerne was fond of telling family members that she skipped fifth grade and was promoted directly to sixth grade when the family moved to town.

Being forced off the farm during the worst years of the Great Depression threw the family into turmoil. Her father was unable to find steady work, so the family moved repeatedly and frequently as he sought temporary work where he could find it.

During the last seven years of her elementary and secondary education, LaVerne was enrolled in 14 different schools, from eastern North Dakota to the state of Washington. She graduated high school in Oilmont, MT, in 1943 and found work in retail stores in Shelby, MT and later in Great Falls.

She treasured her memories of those young-adult years, because she shared an apartment with two older Irgens cousins and found a second family in their extended family. She loved visiting Glacier National Park with a beloved aunt. Montana was her second favorite place after her childhood home.

In the meantime, her parents and younger brother Martin had returned to Tolley, where Harold went into partnership operating an auto repair shop.

In 1945, when she was 19 years old, LaVerne’s much-younger sister was born. The pregnancy had been a difficult one for Polly and she prevailed on LaVerne to return to Tolley to care for baby Laura. Polly’s recovery was slow and LaVerne stayed on to help.

Because of the age difference between the sisters and LaVerne’s early role in care-giving, the bond between the sisters was always more like a mother-daughter relationship than the usual sister relationship.

While her life did not always proceed as planned, she met every new challenge with a quiet determination. She was never jealous of others whose lives were easier than hers, and she carried no malice to those who caused her pain. She was a gentle, generous, and loving soul.

LaVerne married Darrell Guy Triplett in October 1952. They had five children together, all born between 1954 and 1961. Darrell was engaged in farming near Tolley with his father, Guy Triplett (later with his brother Bobby and still later with sons Michael and Craig).

After more than fifty years of farming, Darrell and LaVerne retired to Bismarck in 2008. Darrell died December 1, 2019. LaVerne continued to reside in their home until her death.

LaVerne was never an active farmer. She assisted with trips to town to buy repair parts, helped to move equipment from one field to another, and delivered meals to the field during the busiest times of haying and harvest, but her primary roles were child-care and homemaking.

Having five children in 6½ years kept her very busy for at least 25 years, until all had graduated high school. By then, the first grandchildren had arrived (Shannon and Valerie) and she was active in caring for them as well.

LaVerne welcomed every new member of the family with an open heart. Even when divorces occurred among her children, she stayed in touch with former daughters-in-law, who have returned the love they received in full measure.

Caring for family was the joy of her life. Her door was always open. No one ever left her house hungry. Grandchildren knew they could bring friends over for a meal without calling ahead.

LaVerne is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Martin and Evelyn (Olsen) Irgens; five children, Michael (Pamela Lee/Jennifer Yale), Constance (Gerald Groenewold), Timothy (Jeanette Jore/Kari Larson), Craig (Clifton ‘Buzz’ Hudgins), and Kelly (Kim Sjoquist).

She is also survived by two special nieces, 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

LaVerne was preceded in death by both parents; her husband, Darrell; sister and brother-in-law Laura (Irgens) Allen and Calman ‘Jake’ Allen, and all seven of Darrell’s siblings.

After more than 30 years of living well with type II diabetes, LaVerne was simply tired. She was much assisted over the past several years by son Craig, who lives in Bismarck, and to a lesser extent by many extended family members, friends, and neighbors. She was grateful for every kindness. Thank you, All.

In recent months, her fatigue was intense. She sometimes said that she just wanted to go to sleep and not wake up. Her wish has been granted. Rest in peace, Mom. Sleep well, Grandma LaVerne. We will always love you.

Memorials are preferred to Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tolley ND. A celebration of LaVerne’s life will be scheduled in Spring of 2023.