LaVerne M. Kloth of Steeleville
LaVerne M. Kloth, 89, of Steeleville, Illinois, passed away at 10:26 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019 at her residence, among her family and caregivers.
She was born Jan. 26, 1929 in St. Louis, Missouri to Hugo and Pauline Lorenz. She was the loving wife to Clarence W. Kloth for 52 years. prior to his death in 1998.
After marrying Clarence, LaVerne became a devoted housewife and mother, raising six sons and two daughters over 20 years of childbearing.
While raising her kids, she was devoted to teaching Catechism at St. Pius Church in Walsh and was involved in Parent Teacher Associations at all her kids' schools. She has been called "Mom" and "Grandma" by children who weren't her own throughout her life.
When her youngest was graduating high school, she received her G.E.D. She then acquired her CNA license and worked at St. Ann's Nursing Home for 20 years. After "retirement" she devoted her time volunteering with Meals on Wheels, at the Randolph County Court House, Chester Memorial Hospital, Chester Welcome Center and in blood drives.
She was a past member of St. Mary's Choir and Altar Sodality. By her thimble collection and the magnets on her refrigerator, one could tell that LaVerne loved to travel.
She is survived by her eight children, Terry (Betsy) Kloth, Gary (Gail) Kloth, Kenneth Kloth, Jim Kloth (fiancee Kay radar), Clarence (Marcia) Kloth, Roy (Georgia) Kloth, Barbara Kloth and Sheri (David) Blecha; one sister, Delores Hillerman; nine grandchildren, Kelly (Mark) Buonauro, Michael (Cassie) Kloth, Jared (Ashley) Kloth, Sahra (Adam) Linnemann, Jessica (Darren) Tunnell, Emma Kloth, Erin Kloth, Elijah Blecha (fiancee Merle Monic) and Joseph Blecha; three step-grandchildren, Shelby (Tim) Cox, Aaron (Chelsea) Campbell and Amanda (Matt) Birkner; nine great-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; three step-great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to caregivers Sharon Knapp, Lisa Alms, Stacey Staycoff, Jenny Johnson and Nancy Jeffers.
LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents; husband; her in-laws, Henry and Emma Kloth; one brother, Sylvester Lorenz (killed in World War II); one sister, Carmelita Schroeder; two brothers-in-law, Forest Schroeder and Wilbert Hillerman; one nephew, David Schroeder; one grandson, Shane Kloth; and one step-grandson, Trent Davis.
Graveside services for LaVerne Kloth will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019 at Paradise Cemetery in Steeleville, officiated by Deacon Al DuBois.
Memorials to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ellis Grove or to Maple Creek Hospice, in Sparta, would be appreciated.
To view this obituary and sign the register book visit www.wpfh.net.