LaVerne A. Coenen

Coenen, LaVerne A.

LaVerne A. (nee Tillman) Coenen of Appleton, WI, passed away unexpectedly at her home and found peace with the Lord on Sunday, November 1, 2009. She was born on February 24, 1924 in Appleton, WI, daughter of the late Albert and Mae (Kobussen) Tillman. LaVerne married Clyde Coenen on December 27, 1947. Together they shared a family focused life full of faith and love.

LaVerne is survived by her children; Dan (Sally) Coenen of Athens, GA, Amy Coenen (Arthur Anderson) of Milwaukee, WI, Doug (Cathy) Coenen of Richboro, PA, Chip (LuAnn) Coenen of Appleton, Paul (Michelle) Coenen of Appleton, and Beth Strohbusch of Milwaukee. “Nana” is also survived by 16 grandchildren: Tim (Ann), Tom, Michael, Amy, Claire, Andy, Sara, Sam, Kristin (Nick Kelly), Ben, Dan, Clay, Laura, Maria, John and Will; and her great-grandson Aaron; by her sister, Delores Ocepek of Milwaukee, and by many family members and friends who admired her steady and nurturing strength.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde, who passed away on April 22, 2009; by her son, Greg, who passed away on June 23, 2008; and by Greg's wife, Peg, who passed away on January 12, 2005.

LaVerne was dedicated to her husband, her children and their families, her siblings and their families, her friends, her community and her Lord. She embraced life in her own way, always opening her mind to new ideas and always putting others before herself. She showed patience, respect and concern, and was readily willing to forgive.

In many ways, LaVerne was a woman before her time — a renaissance woman, of sorts. While she understood and respected the “rules” of her generation, she didn't hesitate to speak her mind about issues of importance to her. LaVerne loved learning and appreciated opportunities to share her knowledge. She was a great listener and many listened to her, seeking out her perspectives and using her words of wisdom to help guide their lives.

LaVerne inspired many with her love.

Special thanks are extended to staff members at Touchmark, Dr. Lee Vogel, and all family and friends who have prayed for LaVerne and helped her in countless ways.

The Coenen family respectfully requests memorials be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 1800 Appleton Rd, Menasha, WI, Suite 2, 54952.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, November 4, 2009, at 10:30 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 S. State St., Appleton, with Father Michael K. O'Rourke officiating. Friends and relatives may visit at the church on Wednesday from 9 am until the time of the Mass. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery.
Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior St.
Appleton 920-739-1231
Online condolences
www.wichmannfargo.com