LaVerne Edwards, of Inver Grove Heights, passed away September 27, 2019 at the age of 79. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:30 – 11:00 AM at Grove United Methodist Church (7465 Steepleview Rd) in Woodbury. Pastor Dan Wetterstrom will preside, and LaVerne’s grandchildren will act as pallbearers. LaVerne will be laid to rest with family at Grove United Methodist Cemetery in Woodbury.
On October 26, 1939, LaVerne Jean George was born to parents Wilbert & Alice (Hartung) George. LaVerne grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Woodbury where she was responsible for getting the cows to come in for milking. She had a happy childhood and loved spending time with her brothers and cousins who lived nearby.
LaVerne was the only girl who attended the local one-room schoolhouse. After elementary school, she transferred to St. Paul Park High School. This is where she met the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Edwards. In 1957, LaVerne’s family moved to Wisconsin to continue farming, but LaVerne stayed back to complete her education and be close to Dick.
Soon after graduation, LaVerne and Dick were engaged. They exchanged wedding vows on May 14, 1960. Their marriage was blessed with two wonderful children, Bruce and Susan. Dick & LaVerne eventually settled in Inver Grove Heights to raise their family. When the kids were young, they enjoyed family camping in Chippewa National Forest. They also went boating, snowmobiling, and spent a lot of time at hockey rinks. Bruce played hockey, and Susan was a hockey cheerleader. LaVerne was there for every game and taught her kids the importance of family. She was both a mom and a best friend.
LaVerne was a wonderful homemaker. She kept a very tidy home, had a beautiful garden and was an excellent cook. Some of her specialties were Strawberry Jelly, Hamburger Hotdish and GG Brownies. Once her kids were a little older, LaVerne went to work as a librarian at Salem Hills and later became a secretary at South Grove & Pine Bend Schools. LaVerne loved having summers off, because that meant more time with family.
LaVerne was a wonderful grandmother and she loved all her grandkids deeply. She never missed a game or school event. She also pampered them with hot water in the outdoor pool, fun shopping days, and custom quilts.
In retirement, LaVerne & Dick were able to pursue their passion for Polka. They danced in over 20 states but were most active in Minnesota and Arizona. Dick & LaVerne wintered in Mesa, Arizona for 18 years. They made many wonderful friends and enjoyed every minute of it.
LaVerne was a loving woman. She was so generous and completely dedicated to her family. She will be remembered always by her husband, Richard Edwards; children, Bruce Edwards and Susan (Chris) Shoaff; grandkids, Cassie (Mark Schaefer) Husemann, Carlie (Cole) Konrad, Allison Shoaff and Christopher (Stacy) Shoaff; great-grandkids, Haylee, Lyddia, Kensington, Remington, Judge, Leonardo; brother, Norman (Josephine) George; other loving relatives and friends. LaVerne was greeted in Heaven by her parents, Wilbert & Alice George; brother, Lyle (Gail) George; sister, Beverly George.
