Vlasta Best

Vlasta “Vel” (Neidviecky) Best 95 years of age, passed on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at the Barrett Care Center, Barrett, MN.

Vel was born December 2, 1928 in Liberty Grove Township, Richland County, North Dakota to the late Leo and Marie (Pleskac) Neidviecky. Vel was the fourth child of eight children.

Vel attended Liberty Grove #2 school through the eighth grade, then attended Lidgerwood Public High School and graduated in May of 1947. Vel was confirmed into Holy Cross Church March 1, 1956.

Vel was introduced to Roger Marvin Best in June of 1946 by mutual friends and began dating. After Rogers’ enlistment in the Army, they were united in marriage August 26, 1950 and six children were born to this union.

Vel and Roger made their first home in Wahpeton, North Dakota, then moving to Breckenridge, MN. In 1951 they moved to Lidgerwood, North Dakota, 1957 they moved to a farm near Cayuga, North Dakota. In 1959 they purchased a home in Hankinson, North Dakota. Then in 1963 they purchased a home and settled in Wheaton, MN.

Vel worked at Myrtles Café 1966-1968, Pearson Elementary Head Start school program 1968-1969, Hotel Café 1969-1970, Wheaton Community Hospital, housekeeping department 1970-1972. In 1975 Vel started at the Traverse Nursing Home as a nurse aid and continued to work until her retirement in 1990.

Vel was a member of the Hope Lutheran Church until its closing then became a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Vel was active in the church with the Ladies Bible Study, the annual Bazaar, and helped with serving coffee, and lunches. Vel was also a member of the Wheaton Rebekah Lodge.

Vel loved being a homemaker most of all. She enjoyed her flowers and garden, canning as much produce as what was yield. Vels friendships encompassed all aspects of life, and each was special to her. From phone calls chats to family outings, to sharing informal meals and entertaining family and friends, to class reunions, to camping adventures near and far, and annual summer rummage sales.

Vel is survived by her sons: Marvin (Mary) Best of Albuquerque, NM; Michael (Mila) Best of Glendale, AZ; and Gary (Dawn) Best of Benson, MN; her daughter Annette Best (special friend James Stanley) of Hoffman, MN; daughter-in-law Elayne (Gerald) Best of Eagan, MN; brother Albert (Linda) Neidviecky of Wahpeton, ND; sister-in-law Dorthory Neidviecky of Hankinson, ND; grandchildren: Jason, Jeremy, Renee, Ryan, Erin, Kerry, Michael John, Melissa, Misti, Curtis, and Christina; twenty-one great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Vel is preceded in death by her husband Roger Best; son Gerald Best; infant daughter Kathleen Best; parents Leo and Marie Neidviecky; and siblings Edward, Elizabeth, Jerry, Arthur, John, and Mary.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 4, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wheaton with Rev. Cheryl Berg officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Lidgerwood, North Dakota.