Pearl Unverzagt

Pearl Unverzagt, 97, Bismarck, passed away March 12, 2014 at St. Gabriel's Care Center, Bismarck. Memorial services will be held at later date. Pearl was born December 12, 1916 to Florence Flossie Lawerence and William Thompson Bill at Gardner, North Dakota. In October 1918 the world-wide flu epidemic impacted the Red River Valley. Pearl and her dad recovered but her mother Flossie did not survive. Pearl then went to live with her grandparents, Isabelle and William Lawerence. She joined her grandparent's household with her aunts and uncles. Her uncle Donald was only a couple years older than her and they grew up much like siblings. In 1920 her dad married her Aunt Helen Lawerence. Pearl adored Helen as her mother and never thought of her as anything but her mom. Pearl attended school in Grandin and Fargo. She married Ernest Unverzagt September 27, 1933 at Hillsboro, North Dakota. They lived in the Hillsboro area, and then moved to Missoula Montana. They spent many years in the Regent, North Dakota area. Pearl worked at the local grocery store, taught Sunday School and was involved in the Homemakers Club. In 1959 they purchased a farm between Woodworth and Pettibone. In addition to being an active farm wife and mother she also worked at the State Hospital in Jamestown. She obtained her GED at the age of 57 and was very proud of the accomplishment. She worked the majority of her state career at the switchboard answering calls and covering the front desk as the receptionist. She enjoyed the variety of activities in her job from directing calls, being responsible for the mail and the interactions with residents, staff and families. Pearl and Ernest retired to Jamestown while still maintaining the household at the farm. They would spend time on the farm during the summer enjoying the peace and quiet. In 1990 they moved to Bismarck to be closer to their daughters. Pearl was always busy with interests and hobbies throughout her life and relished her retirement to focus on her hobbies and spend time with her family. Pearl was a gifted artist who was self-taught and she loved to paint flowers and landscapes. She actively pursed improving her work well into her nineties. . Her world was focused on creating from gardening, painting, sewing and a wide variety of craft projects. She had a passion for fabric and creating treasures for her family. Her favorite outings were shopping for craft supplies, even when she could no longer do them all. She enjoyed seeing new products and getting ideas. She had passion for all living creatures from her pets to the rabbits and birds in her yard. She lived at home until early 2012 and was blessed to have her daughter, Janna, as her roommate and later as a caregiver. She also had help from her daughter Pat who stopped by often and kept her in stock of her craft supplies when she could no longer get out as often herself. February 2012 she moved to Missouri Slope Care Center. In July 2012 she moved to St. Gabriel's Care Center. She was known for cruising the halls in her scooter, a lively conversation, a sense of humor and avid reader. Muffi, her four-legged companion of 15 years made regular visits. Pearl was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She was always proud to share her children and grandchildren's accomplishments. She took great pride that each of her children used their creative talents. She encouraged each of her grandchildren to cultivate their interest in art by providing supplies and creating memories with time at the easel with her. Pearl is survived by one son, Bill Unverzagt Betty, Fargo, daughters Patsy Schmidt Norlyn and Janna Unverzagt, Bismarck, son-in-law Gene Summers, Carrington, grandchildren Julie Don Kessel, Atascocita TX, Kelli Walter Sheppard, Brooklyn, NY and Brian Schmidt, Bismarck, two great grandchildren Chandler and Carter Kessel, Atascocita TX. Pearl was preceded in death by her husband Ernest, daughter Janice Summers, and grandson Mark Unverzagt.

Pearl Unverzagt

December 12, 1916 - March 12, 2014