LaVerne B. Rea (nee Nelson), 84, peacefully left this world on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011, to be with her Heavenly Father and loving family. 

Formerly a resident of Oconomowoc and West Bend, La Verne moved to Neenah in 2005 and lived there until the time of her death. Challenged by Alzheimer’s disease for the past decade, LaVerne remained strong, firm in her faith and never missed a chance to laugh and love in the company of caregivers, friends and family. 

LaVerne was born on April 13, 1927, in Watertown to Edna and Ralph Nelson. She was one of nine children: Howard, Robert, Corrine, Charlotte, Ione, Betty, Ralph, Jr., and Marion. Her parents along with Howard, Robert, Corrine, Charlotte and Ione preceded her in death. 

LaVerne married Daniel Edward Rea on Dec. 16, 1950. Dan died in 1997 from pancreatic cancer. They had three children, Cynthia L. (Howard) Vogt, Lansing, Mich.; Kathleen M. Hannah, Appleton; and Stewart E. Rea, Richmond Hill, Ga.; who know that their mother is now together with her Danny Boy, their father. 

LaVerne was proud to be a full-time mother and homemaker Her family came first. She enjoyed being in the kitchen, hosting family get-togethers was always available to those in her family, church or neighborhood. She was a member of Our Saviours Lutheran Church, Oconomowoc, and loved singing in the choir and helping out with the altar guild. She was also a member of the VFW auxiliary and enjoyed the friendships and community it served. 

LaVerne is survived by her two sisters, Marion (Bob) S o re n s o n , Oconomowoc; and Betty Houtz, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., and her younger brother Ralph Nelson Jr., Oconomowoc; her three children, seven grandchildren, Esther, Sarah, Mary, Erin, Debbie, Kristin and Alex; and three great-grandchildren, Samantha, Savannah and Sophia. 

Visitation for LaVerne will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 5-7 p.m., at Pagenkopf Funeral Home, Highway 67 South, Oconomowoc. A funeral service will take place on Thursday, Dec. 1, 11 a.m., at Our Saviours Lutheran Church, Lisbon Road, Oconomowoc with Rev. Rod Resheske as officiant. Visitation will also be held before the service at 10 a.m. A lunch will be served immediately following the service. A private burial ceremony for immediate family will be held at the Gardens of Stone Bank on Friday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. 

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for the staff at Kilkenny House, Neenah, with special mention of its administrator, Jackie Guenther. Gratitude is also extended to Heartland Hospice for its sensitive care and concern. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the Alzheimers Association.

For more information, please go to www.pagenkopf.com.