Nevis Margaret Shulstad

     Nevis Shulstad passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Riverfront on Main in Pelican Rapids, MN. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Barnesville, MN, with Rev. Eric Souer presiding. Visitation will be held one hour before the service. Interment will be in Gethsemane Lutheran Cemetery in Tolna, ND on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 12:30 pm.

Nevis Margaret Shulstad peacefully departed from this world to join her father in heaven on Saturday, November 18, 2023. Throughout her 91 years, Nevis exemplified her devotion to God through her faith, service, kindness, and strength.  She will be dearly missed in her many roles as wife, mother, grandmother, neighbor, teacher, pianist, writer and friend.

     Nevis Margaret Orskog was born June 8th, 1932, to Michael and Margrette (Dronen) Orskog in McVille, N.D.   After three years living in a Chicago suburb during grade school, her family returned to N.D. where Nevis was confirmed and graduated high school.  Throughout her childhood Nevis learned piano, cared for animals, and was active in church, school, and the community.  Highlights include starting a junior choir and teaching Sunday school at Sheyenne Lutheran Church, and serving as the Dean of Women at Red Willow Bible Camp.

     In 1950 Nevis entered Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, where she met Norman Shulstad through mutual friends. They were married on October 18, 1953, and spent 50 precious years together before Norman died in 2004. Norman and Nevis lived in Meeker, CO, Stanley, ND, and Pekin, ND, before finding their permanent home on a farm near Barnesville, MN in 1955.  They welcomed three sons and suffered the loss of a daughter who only lived briefly.   

     In addition to helping on the farm and raising a family, Nevis taught piano lessons for 50 years during which she touched the lives of many.  She loved sharing the gift of music, often with a side of snacks and conversation.  Nevis also shared her musical talent as organist and pianist at various churches and events.

     Nevis enjoyed studying the bible, praying for people and events, reading, visiting with friends, mission work, working with children, playing piano and organ, and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. As an only child, Nevis was close with her cousins and visited those in Norway twice.

     Nevis was active in the Barnesville community at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, The American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, and the Women’s Ladies Aid organization. Throughout her life, she also held roles as school secretary, house cleaner, and World Book sales person.

     Nevis will be lovingly remembered by her three sons: Michael (Mary) Shulstad, Fargo, ND, Arden Shulstad, Vergas, MN, and Stuart (Judy) Shulstad, Barnesville, MN; grandchildren: Heather (Ole) Bore, Leavenworth, WA, Andy (HM) Shulstad, Darby, MT, Tom Shulstad, Fargo, ND, Ryan Kappel, Fargo, ND, and Trisha (Josh) Vargas, Keller, TX; and great-grandchildren: Olivia and Natalie Bore, Sami and Ali Vargas, and Alec Kappel.

     She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norman; infant daughter Mary Dawn Shulstad; grandson John David Shulstad; brothers Clemense and Curtis Orskog; and daughter-in-law Lori Shulstad.