A loving mom, grandma, great grandma, wife, a cherished friend, and the heart of our family—Verna lived a life filled with love, strength, and faith. Above all else, she loved Jesus with her whole heart and she lived out that love in the way she cared for everyone around her. To know Verna was to know love. She gave us a lifetime of memories we will carry forever.

Verna’s life began on March 30, 1952 and came to a peaceful close on November 6, 2026 after a brave battle with cancer. She fought fiercely for 11 years, defying what doctors said was impossible - but she knew God!

Verna was born in Isabel, South Dakota at her home in the middle of a snow storm. The doctor couldn’t make it to the home. She was born to Christian and Agnes (Dragset) Volden. She was the youngest of 5 siblings.

Verna’s father, Christian, immigrated from Norway, inspiring her lifelong love of all things Norwegian. She carried that heritage into her own family through cherished traditions, making klub each year for Bret and Travis’s birthday and gathering loved ones for lefse-making parties. These gatherings were especially dear to her, bringing together her love of family and the Norwegian roots she was so proud to share.

Verna attended school in Isabel from Kindergarten through her senior year. She was a cheerleader, participated in choir and the band. She could play the accordion better than most! Right out of high school, Verna and her friend Vicki started a painting business. They painted barns, corrals, houses, and fences. It was probably Verna’s first real job besides babysitting for her older sibling’s children.

After high school, Verna began her lifelong calling of being a nurse. She first attended St John’s McNamara School of Nursing where she earned a 3-year nursing degree. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing through SDSU in 1993. Throughout her nursing career, Verna worked in various departments and roles. She began her career at Rapid City Regional where she spent most of her nursing career, she worked as a director of West River Community Health, and before retiring she was the Assistant Director of Surgical Services. Throughout her career, she met and made some of her most lifelong friends. She was honored with the Excellence in Leadership High Flyer Award in 2001. A heart devoted to caring for others and purpose driven by service.

In 1972, Verna was married in Timber Lake, SD to William “Bill” Clark. Through this marriage two of Verna’s biggest blessings were born. Bret was born January 31, 1974 and Travis joined the family a short two years later on January 16, 1976. Their family lived in Rapid City before moving to Isabel, SD.

Later in life, Verna met Erdean Olsen. “Do you dance cowboy?” was the question that brought these two together. It’s a good thing Erdean answered “yes I can dance!” They were married April 30, 1988 in Rapid City, SD at the Calvary Lutheran Church. They continued dancing their way through life together.

The greatest joy in Verna’s life was her family, being a mom, grandma, and great grandma. In 1996, Bret married the love of his life Jeannie. Soon after in May 1998, the first and only granddaughter was born, Kaylee Jean. In September 2001, Kolter William joined the family. Travis and Amy gave Verna two more grandchildren to love. Kaden James joined the family in August 1999. They got married in 2004. Ryker Alan completed the perfect set of grandchildren in January 2015. In June 2026, Quincy Dee came into this world making Verna a great-grandmother. She was also looking forward to meeting another great grandbaby in December. We know she will have the best seat in the house when this baby arrives. Her love for her grandchildren was endless and unmatched. There wasn’t a thing in this world she wouldn’t do for them. Her greatest priority was that they all knew Jesus. Over the years, she sat in many bleachers at rodeos, football games, basketball games and soccer matches. If the grandkids had an activity, she was there!! She made sure every single day that they knew how much she loved them. Mixed in with all this love was her quick-witted humor. Her humor was part of what made her so special, and the laughter and joy she brought to her family will be remembered by all the kids!

Verna loved being in her garden, canning, baking, and having everyone together for the holidays. She loved Bible studies and serving at church. She enjoyed quilting and sewing with Kaylee, along with getting to snow ski, swim, and hike with her own children and grandchildren. She also loved listening to Charley Pride, Don Williams, Alabama, George Strait, and Christian music.

Verna is survived by her husband Erdean Olsen, her children Bret (Jeannie) Clark, Travis (Amy) Clark, former husband and friend Bill Clark, grandchildren Kaylee Jean (Carter) Kudlock, Kaden Clark, Kolter (Cailyn) Clark, Ryker Clark, great-grandchildren Quincy Dee and soon to be Baby Clark. Her sister Carol (Ken) Carpenter, sister-in-law’s Eylene (Randy) Macy, brother-in-law Erling (Linda) Olsen. Proceeding her in death were her parents Chris and Agnes, her brother Ed (Marge), and sisters Helen (Roy), and Gert (Philip).

The proof of her life is left behind in her bible. A beautifully worn-out book, its pages softened by the touch of her fingers during her daily devotions. These worn-out pages are the blueprint of the woman she was. Every crease and underline represents a day she chose trust and faith.

She left behind a beautiful legacy in her family. Her story will live on in the people she loved the most.