LaVerne Darlene (Marik) Peterson passed away on September 2, 2024, in Chetek, Wisconsin.

LaVerne was born in Barron County on January 4, 1932, to the late Charles and Myrtle (Jorstad) Marik.

She attended country schools and graduated from Chetek High School in 1949. On July 22, 1950, she married the love of her life, Robert Peterson of New Auburn, Wisconsin, in Pine City, Minnesota. They were blessed with 62 years of married life. Uncle Sam called her husband Bob to serve. While he did his basics, they lived in Sparta, Wisconsin. In July 1953, a daughter Julie Ann was born followed by a brother Jeffrey in 1955. The family was complete when Mary Lynn joined her new sister and brother.

For thirty-five years they lived in Cudahy, Wisconsin. LaVerne worked 20 years for Gimbel Department Store and when they closed she was transferred to Boston Store. In 1990 they moved back to Chetek to enjoy their retirement. LaVerne kept very busy working at the polls, active in her Tabthia Circle and Chetek Lutheran Church. She helped with bulletin boards at Knapp Haven and served 6 years on the board at Lone Oak. She was an active member of the American Legion for around 6 years and also belonged to the VFW Auxiliary. Many days were spent on their pontoon on the lake, playing cards with friends, and going to the casino. Visits with her grandchildren were her favorite joy. LaVerne always had chocolate chip cookies baked to take to their house or her cookie jar was full when they visited her. The great-grandchildren always called her "Grandma LaVerne in Chetek" and they loved her full candy dish.

Preceding her in death are her parents, husband Bob, daughter Mary Lynn, and brother Arlyn.

LaVerne is survived by her children, Julie (Bob) Stangle, Jeffrey (Rebecca) Peterson, and son-in-law Bob Flaherty, grandchildren, Erin (Scott) DeVita, Robbie (girlfriend Sarah) Stangle, Caitlyn Flaherty, Mark (Dawn) Stangle, Megan (boyfriend Joe) Peterson, Cassandra (Ben) White, Dana (Curt) Stark, and Connor (girlfriend Molly) Flaherty, and great-grandchildren, Anthony (girlfriend Jessi) DeVita, Abigail, and Carter Stangle, Liam, Fiona, and Declan White, and Calvin, Harrison, and Elliott Stark, as well as many other loving family and friends.

There are no public services planned.

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

Last Update: Sep 04, 2024 2:27 pm CDT