Velma Jonassen Breckinridge

Velma Erma Jonassen Breckinridge (nee Bietz). On Sunday evening, May 21st, Velma finally got her wish to go be with the Lord and rejoin the numerous family members and friends who preceded her. Born on July 5, 1916, in Bowdon, Wells County, North Dakota, she was in her 101st year of life, still enjoying the good physical health she experienced her whole life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Friederich (Fred) Bietz and Lydia Hagen Bietz Christensen; her brother John "J.R." Bietz; sister Alvina Bietz Unterseher Hagel and baby brother Freddie Bietz. She was also preceded in death by her first husband Dr. George E. Jonassen, second husband Robert J. Breckinridge, daughter Diane Lynn Jonassen Roers and baby grandson Eric Roers.

Velma is survived by her son Robert (Fran) Jonassen and son-in-law Rolland (Jennifer) Roers, and step-daughters Joanne (Mick) Louzek and Sally (Robert) Lindbeck. She is also survived by grandson John (Kelly) Jonassen, granddaughter Jennifer (Erik) Fair, granddaughter Andrea (Ben) Ranstrom, and grandson John R. (Lisa) Roers, as well as great-grandchildren Justin, Jordan, Jane, Abigale "Abby", Jack, Natalie and Annabelle Jonassen, Alexander "Alex", Elliana and Ava Fair, Amalia and Sonja Ranstrom, and David "Davy" Roers.

After graduating from Carrington (North Dakota) High School in 1935, Velma continued her education at the University of Minnesota. She was very proud of the fact that she successfully completed the nursing program at the University and thereby became a Registered Nurse. In that capacity, for many years she assisted her husband George in his Edina dental practice. Their practice was well regarded regionally, serving residents of Edina and Richfield, as well as a number of local television personalities. Velma lived in Richfield essentially her whole adult life, most recently as a resident of The Pines. She was active in the Republican Party and in the community, often serving as an election judge.

Velma loved wearing jewelry and was always meticulously dressed, having a reputation as a fashion plate at The Pines. Velma enjoyed playing bridge, doing crossword puzzles, taking long walks, exercising, dancing, music and travel. She took many trips to Europe and was on numerous Caribbean cruises. One of the family's favorite pictures is of Velma riding a camel in North Africa. She enjoyed the music of the '40s, as well as classical music.