LaVerne Knapstein

LaVerne Knapstein, age 97, our beautiful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend went to join Jesus with her warm smile and loving touch on Sunday, October 29, 2017. LaVerne was born on August 5, 1920 in Ellington Township, daughter of Robert and Frances (Kettner) Schroth.

She was united in marriage to Clarence Helser on June 18th, 1940 at St. Patrick’s Church in Stephensville, WI; Clarence passed away in January of 1943, leaving behind a 22 year-old widow and 9 week daughter. La Verne raised her daughter alone until she married Dr. Theodore Knapstein on September 2, 1961. She had many wonderful years with him until he passed away in April of 1978. The couple enjoyed their home in Florida and traveling with their Airstream trailer and attending Airstream rallies. They later purchased a cottage on lake Winneconne in 1975 where good times were shared with family and friends. She loved going to the cottage on Sundays until just two weeks ago.

In her later years, LaVerne treasured the time she worked at Riverside Florist and Greenhouse in Appleton, where she will be remembered for her time helping all the customers making their selections in the garden shop and with her gardening expertise. Customers always appreciated and looked forward to her smile and her wit.

Family brought LaVerne the most joy in her life – from simple visits, having lunch together, celebrating holidays and especially birthdays, her family was her love. La Verne was well known for her cookies which she made for each holiday and happily shared with all the special people in her life. She enjoyed the opportunities she had to travel with her sister Florence to Arizona or even to visit with local relatives

LaVerne is survived by her daughter: Shirley (Mike) Huss; and three grandchildren: Lisa Brennan, Craig (Bobbi Jo) Huss, and Michael (Andrea) Huss. She was much loved by her seven great-grandchildren: Parker Brennan (fiancée Corrina Hendricks), Macee Brennan, Morgan, Cole and Claire Huss, and Clay and Megan Huss. LaVerne also has a sister: Florence Hooyman; a sister-in-law: Marion Schroth; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, and her many brothers and sisters and their spouses: Raymond Schroth, Elmer (Marcella) Schroth, Clarence (Lorraine) Schroth, Lenora (Leslie) Helser, Angeline (George) Hartsworm, Bernard (Jeanne) Helser, William (Flonie) Knapstein, John (Irene) Knapstein, Mayme Knapstein, Joseph Hooyman, and Ella (George) Dietz.

The Funeral Liturgy for LaVerne will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2017, at ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1810 N. McDonald Street in Appleton, with Fr. Gerald Falk officiating. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery, Stephensville. Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday night at the Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior Street, Appleton, from 5:00 p.m. to 7 :00 p.m., and again at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. LaVerne’s family would like to thank the staff at the The Heritage, as well as her pastor Fr. Falk for his frequent visits, comfort, and prayers. Online condolences may be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com

LaVerne’s grace, beauty, gentleness, generosity and smile will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.