LaVerne L. Palecek passed from this life on Dec. 8, 2012 at the age of 88 years, 9 months at the Belleville Health Care Center, where she had been a resident for the past three years. LaVerne was born March 11, 1924, the daughter of Henry and Marie (Jones) Mathiesen near Stoddard north of Chester, NE. Later moving to Chester she attended Chester Public Schools. After graduating in 1941, she went to live with her aunt in Oakland, CA. She later moved to Richmond, CA, where she worked as a secretary to shipping mogul Henry J. Kaiser (Kaiser Steel), aiding in the home front war effort. In 1942 she returned to Chester and shortly after married Eddie Palecek of rural Munden on Oct. 12, 1943. They made their home on the farm north of Munden for the next 44 years, and raised two children Allan and Patricia. After the children were older, she worked outside the home- for J.D. Harsh, an aerial photographer, for Dr. C.A. Noble in Republic, and for Frank Krob, photographer in Belleville. She remained on the farm ten years after Eddie passed away, moving back to Chester in 1996.
LaVerne lived an active and truly unique life. She was a life-long member of St. John Lutheran Church, being very involved in church activities and Ladies Aide. She was a member of Munden Merry Makers Club and the Eagles.
She was preceded in death by her brother, mother, step-mother, two sisters, father, and husband.
She is survived by her son, Allan and wife Nancy of San Rafael, CA, her daughter Patricia Cline and husband Robert of Belleville; four grandchildren- Thadd Cline, Belleville, KS; Andrew Palecek, San Francisco, CA; Shelly Cline, Lawrence, KS; Karey Palecek, New York City; four sisters- Carol Lucas and husband Bob, San Antonio, TX; Rose Higel and husband Jerry, Gering, NE; Marilyn Anderson, Torington, WY; and Marilee Huff and husband Bud, Ware Shoals, S. Carolina, nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at St. John Lutheran Church, Chester, NE with Pastor Richard Gudgel, officiating.
Interment will follow at the Tabor Cemetery, rural Munden, KS.
Visitation will be from 9AM until 9 PM on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012 at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS where the family will receive friends from 5PM until 7 PM on Tuesday.
Memorials are suggested to family choice.
Online condolences and information at www.bachelor-surber.com
Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, KS is in charge of the arrangements.