Age 84 years. Of Menomonee Falls. Formerly of Random Lake, WI . Found peace on Tuesday, March 29, 2016. Beloved wife of the late Glenn F. for 51 years. Loving mother of Dyanne (Jim) Heiden, Jacalyn (Chris) Butrick, Glenn A. (Dennis), Suzanne Smith and Donna (Ken) Gagne. Proud grandma of Charlie, Dan, Jeni and Paul. Survived by her brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws Carole Gabelbauer, Rev. Blair (Marge) Hills, Alberta (Bob) Cook, Chuck (Marge) Hills, Carolyn (Morris) Bernstein, Walter (Barb) Hills, Johnny (Vicki) Hills, and Linda (Tom) Cutting and other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Grace, brothers George and Harry Jr. and her sister-in-law Clara Hills.
LaVerne was born in Milwaukee, WI and graduated from Bay View High School. She was trained as a nurse at the Cradle in Evanston, Illinois and later returned to Milwaukee to work at County Hospital. As a part-time job, LaVerne worked at the Washington Park Zoo. It was at the zoo that she met her husband, Glenn. Together they had five children while Glenn completed his engineering degree from Marquette University. In 1971 they decided to move the family to Random Lake where they owned and operated Hills Superette. Glenn, LaVerne and their children ran the small-town grocery store for 18 years which provided many great memories, stories and good friends.
After retiring from the store, she and Glenn were able to spend more of their time traveling. They traveled to all 50 state capitals and many countries. As her children married and grandchildren were born, she chose to stay closer to home so she could enjoy her grandchildren with babysitting and sleepovers. She spent many hours playing games, cooking and storytelling with her family. As the grandchildren became older, she wanted more special time with them so over the past ten years, many family trips were taken. She also generously gave each of her grandchildren a special trip to Europe when they turned 13 and she cherished the daily emails with the details of their adventures. Without a doubt, LaVerne’s greatest joy was her family and each family gathering provided her with unmeasured happiness.
LaVerne will be missed by so many people. She was profoundly loved by her husband and her family. The world has lost a truly wonderful person and she will not be forgotten.
Many thanks to everyone at Community Memorial Hospital who were always so caring and to Horizon Hospice who were comforting when she needed it the most. A special thank you to her sister-in-law Linda who selflessly helped and supported our family in our time of need. Also, thanks to Joyce and Dorothy who were great friends and shared her love for Scrabble.
Visitation on Monday, April 4 from 4:30PM until time of Funeral Service at 6:30PM at the FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Benjamin Snodgrass presiding. Private entombment at Forest Home Cemetery, Milwaukee. In lieu of flowers, memorials in LaVerne's name to the American Cancer Society are greatly appreciated.
