LAVERNE H. “HORSEY” MAURER

LaVerne H. “Horsey” Maurer, age 90, of 18611 County X, Kiel, died peacefully Sunday evening, March 7, 2010, at his home.

He was born Oct. 25, 1919, in the town of Schleswig, son of the late Herman and Meta Nett Maurer. LaVerne was a 1937 graduate of Kiel High School.

On June 23, 1951, he married Lucille Vander Weyst at Bethlehem UCC. She preceded him in death Jan. 3, 1986.

On July 26, 1997, he married Marjorie V. (Fritch) Tollman at Millhome. Marjorie preceded him in death Feb. 6, 2004.

LaVerne farmed with his father in the town of Schleswig and also worked at Lake To Lake in Kiel for over 20 years until his retirement.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, School Hill; the School Hill Men’s Club, serving as treasurer; Kiel Redmen, Knights of Columbus, Starcraft Campers and the Royal Neighbors.

He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, playing bingo, fishing and deer hunting. He also enjoyed going to South Town Restaurant in New Holstein to visit his friends, going to Branson, Mo., with Glenn, Bridget and the Anji B’s gang, listening to barbershoppers perform, taking rustic road trips and watching his birds.

Grandpa LaVerne was a gentle man with a “dry” sense of humor who brought joy to everyone he encountered. He was a “guys” guy. He knew a lot about everything, not only from books, but from personal experiences and was always willing to teach anyone who would listen. He was a simple man who loved the “little” things in life. He welcomed everyone he met into his family.

Survivors include one daughter, Kathleen Slabe, Sheboygan; two stepdaughters, Pat (Roger) Hagenow, Minocqua, and Marilyn Burger, De Pere; one stepson, Charles (Susan) Tollman, New Holstein; 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and six great-greatgrandchildren. He is further survived by other relatives, many friends and his two feline buddies, Buffy and Sammy.

He was also preceded in death by one daughter and son-in-law, Diane (Charles) Schmitt; one granddaughter, Heather Slabe; one great-granddaughter, Crystal Betts; two step great-grandchildren, Cody and Dylan Pierce; and one step son-in-law, Darwin Burger.

The funeral Mass for LaVerne will be celebrated at noon Saturday, March 13, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, School Hill, with the Rev. Michael Bigley officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery with lunch to follow the services.

Family and friends may call at the church Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

Meiselwitz-Vollstedt Funeral Home, Kiel, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent at www.meiselwitzfh.com.

LaVerne’s family would like to thank Dr. Patrick Marsho, Dr. DeTrano and Dr. Coulis for all their help and the support and love he received from his family and friends. LaVerne’s “Gramps’” smile, words of wisdom and “dry” sense of humor will echo forever in our hearts.