(1920 - 2012)
LaVern Riel, 92, a resident of Prairie Ridge Assisted Living in Waupun, died Sunday, December 23, 2012 at her residence.
LaVern was born May 22, 1920 in Dodge County, the daughter of Bert and Minnie Harmsen Voskuil. As a child, LaVern attended West Brick School near Ladoga. On October 5, 1940 she married James D. Riel in Dubuque, Iowa. Following their marriage, she and Jim farmed in the Ripon area for 18 years. After retiring from farming, they moved to Waupun. LaVern worked for Teeple Shoe Factory in Waupun and later Red Owl Grocery Store. In 1970 they moved to Fond du Lac where LaVern was employed for 14 years at Mercury Marine from which she retired. LaVern was a faithful member of Grace Reformed Church in Fond du Lac where she taught bible class and sang in the choir. LaVern enjoyed playing cards with her many friends, and cooking and baking for friends and relatives. Some of her specialties were homemade biscuits and molasses “stinky” cookies.
LaVern is survived by three children, Erv Pinnow of Waupun, Betty (Earl) Daane of Winter Haven, Florida, and Linda (Darryl) Zick of Fond du Lac; eight grandchildren, Randy (Deb) Pinnow, Jeff (Shelly) Pinnow, Rhonda (Tim) Breister, Amy (Jerry) Meinburg, Debbie (Dennis) Lukas, Tammy Daane, Heather Zick (fiancé, Kevin Jordan), and Michelle (Ben) Vissers; seven great-grandchildren, Sara (fiancé, Dan Quackenboss) and Jennifer Pinnow, Jacob, Colton and Joclyn Pinnow, Christopher Spencer and Lily Vissers; and friend of the family, Judy Gard.
LaVern was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jim, on April 5, 2003; a daughter-in-law, Karlen Pinnow; her parents; four brothers, Art, Ray, Ben and Millard; and a sister, Henrietta Hopp.
Visitation:
Friends and relatives may call on the family on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun and on Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Services:
Funeral services for LaVern Riel will be held Friday, December 28, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Grace Reformed Church in Fond du Lac with Rev. Barry Vegter officiating.
Burial:
Burial will take place at Alto Cemetery in Alto.