Laverne Miller

Laverne Miller- “Vernie”- Age 86, was welcomed into eternal life on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, being greeted by her daughter, Mary, whose earthly birthday was Dec. 17. Vernie was born Sept. 22, 1936, in Little Chute, the middle child of Genevieve (Hietpas) and Barney Lamers. She grew up on Washington Street, as did so many of her relatives who supported each other, through good times and bad. Experiences where the whole family gathered after Sunday mass at her grandparents’ house to share a meal and conversation fostered Vernie’s emphasis on valuing family above all else. Vernie worked at Appleton Papers as a bookkeeper as well as a proofreader for Driessen Press. In 1955, Vernie met the love of her life, Ronald Miller, at a wedding he had crashed at the VFW and on Sept. 25, 1956, they were married at St. John’s in Little Chute. Over the 66 years of marriage, they raised seven children and started their own construction company, Miller Masonry, which is in its third generation of Miller family members. Even though Vernie was busy raising seven children, she managed to continue proof reading, was the primary bookkeeper for the business and never missed an opportunity to help at her kids’ school and attend school functions. When Vernie’s daughters hear from others that they are turning into their mother, they view it as a huge compliment. Anyone who knew Vernie, knew family came first. She was the kind of mom everyone wished to have and the best role model her kids could wish for. She was among the best creations God blessed us with. Summers at the Cloverleaf Lakes were a favorite for Vernie and her family. Many special memories were made at the cottage from fish fry’s to the annual tradition of putting in and taking out the dock, not to exclude her love for sunning on the dock while reading favorite books while watching the kids and grandkids swimming and skiing. Vernie was known as an outgoing, caring person who loved to socialize with many people. She also met many friends while traveling on Nationwide Bus Tours. She loved her trip to Hawaii, as well as the excursion to Mexico with her daughters, which was a 50-year wedding anniversary gift from Ron. Ron and Vernie were blessed with seven children: Kim Miller; Randy (Bridget) Miller; Gary (Lori) Miller; Sara Eslinger; Karla (Bill) Miller-Flynn; Mary (Bruce) Yaeger (deceased) and Sally (Joe) Miller Jaskolski. Vernie is survived by her husband and six of her seven children, as well as grandchildren: Alisia, Justin, Joshua, Jared, Kyle, Karina, Micky, Kadie, Murphy, Jack, Kenzy, Nik, Casey, Jordan and seven great- grandchildren with one on the way; sisters-in-law: Mary Joan Miller, Myrna Miller, Jan Miller and brother-in-law Floyd Klister. She is further survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was blessed with the love of many close friendships. Vernie was preceded in death by her daughter: Mary; son-in-law: Ken Eslinger; her parents; Ron’s parents: Michael and Margaret Miller; sisters: Jeanne Klister and Mary Kraft; sisters-in-law: Elsie Knott, Lil Gerrits, Laverne “Lolly” Miller; brothers-in-law: Herb Miller, Adam Miller, Bill Miller, Mike Miller, Bob Gerrits, Dave Kobs and Nick Kraft. Upon her wishes, cremation will take place and a private family gathering will be held at a later date. Vernie welcomes masses said in her memory. Entombment will take place at Highland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice. Condolences can be sent to Ron at P.O. Box 96, Kaukauna, WI, 54130. Verkuilen Van-Deurzen Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, 101 Canal St., Little Chute, WI 54140, 920-788-3321, www.verkuilenfh.com