Obituary of LaVerne Habeck

LaVerne Habeck, age 89, a lifelong resident of Wisconsin Rapids, was born to eternal life on Friday, June 9, 2017, at the Presbyterian Homes/Dickinson Hollow Assisted Living Facility in Menomonee Falls, WI, where she and her husband, Charles, had resided for the past two years to be closer to their daughters.

Services will be held at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 1:30 P.M. Visitation will be from 11:30 A.M. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. Rev. John Grohs and Rev. Jonathan Petzold will officiate.  Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.  A luncheon will follow the burial at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home.

Having been given life by her Creator, LaVerne was born on September 4, 1927 in Port Edwards, Wisconsin, the first child of David and Lucy (Femling) Boyles. Her siblings included: Earl Boyles, Donna Boyles, Jim (Beverly) Boyles, Ken (Sandee) Boyles, and Joan (Don) Milka.

LaVerne graduated from Lincoln High School in 1945.  On June 5, 1948, she married Charles Habeck, son of Carl and Anna Habeck of Wisconsin Rapids.  They recently celebrated the blessing of 69 years of marriage.

LaVerne is survived by three daughters: Sherry (Jeff) Keinert, Sheila (Jim) Nelson, and Debbie (Ralph) Kilby; 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

LaVerne loved her role of wife, homemaker, and dedicated stay at home mom for her 3 daughters. She could often be found pouring over cookbooks for a new family meal experience. Her girls fondly recall her roll of Brownie Scout leader for them after school. As they grew she used her sewing skills to make their grade school cheerleading uniforms.

As the prospect of paying college tuition came nearer LaVerne began her work career, first at Ostreich's Restaurant on 8th Street and eventually became a dedicated employee of Gross Common Carrier for many years until her retirement in 1991. Her diligent years of working yielded “in full” tuition payment for their 3 grateful daughters, all of whom became teachers.

LaVerne was a loving and generous lady who helped others in need. As a longtime volunteer at Immanuel Lutheran Church, she served World Relief and applied her seamstress skills to the quilting ministry for the overseas needy. In addition, LaVerne organized and served many funeral luncheons alongside other likeminded women. She further assisted her husband Charles in his role of Immanuel financial secretary addressing, sorting, and distributing boxes of offering envelopes. Aid Association for Lutherans was also fortunate to use her skills as a representative for many years.

Delighted by children, LaVerne especially loved to hold babies. Her 6 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren were a great blessing.

Charles and LaVerne looked forward to Bull's Eye Credit Union conventions and traveled in the many years that Charles served as its director & chairman.

LaVerne and Charles were wonderful companions for one another. They gardened and canned side by side in the summer and baked German Pfeffernuss cookies together at Christmas for their family.

A favorite past time in the days at assisted living yielded filling the pages of countless adult coloring books which her family will cherish.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church and School. 111 11th Street North, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494.

While we are saddened by our earthly loss, we give thanks to the Lord for LaVerne’s faith in Jesus Christ and our unshakable certainty that as a Child of God LaVerne has preceded us to the unending glory of heaven.

The family would like to give special recognition and deep gratitude to the caregivers and staffs at the Renaissance in Wisconsin Rapids, Presbyterian Homes/Dickson Hollow, and Home Town Hospice of Menomonee Falls, for their incredibly gracious efforts in caring for our dear mother in her time of need.