Laverne A. Wood

LaVerne A. Wood, age 85, was called from this life on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at Rennes Health & Rehab after a courageous battle with life, surrounded by her loving family. LaVerne is survived by her children; Kathy Reetz, Chris (Wayne) Scott, Sharon Vachavake, Rick (Marcia) Wood, Brenda (Kent) Dolloff, and Gary (Deb) Wood. Further survived by sisters; Bernice Geier, Mary (Ron) Hodge, Delores Jachim, sister in-law, Ruth Wood, and a brother August Goyke. She was born in Chicago, Illinois October 28, 1930 to Louise and August (Gus) Goyke. LaVerne graduated from Saint Philomena Catholic High in 1948. Losing her mother at an early age, she started her employment at Admiral TV & Radio as a typist, Motorola & Standard Coil in assembly work, Nu Dell Plastics as a packer, and at Bell Telephone as an operator, all in the Chicago area. LaVerne later resettled her family in Wisconsin working as a nurses' aide at the New Glarus WI Nursing Home. Finally settling in Wausau, where she continued to raise and nurture her children to develop their own Christian lives and families. She enjoyed her remaining years, until life's aging health issues started slowing her down. LaVerne's love and true passion in life came from raising her six kids from a 14 year marriage. As a single parent, she respectively raised them lovingly. Her kids meant the world to her, and she was very proud of their many accomplishments. Her moto "one day at a time" supported life-long lessons. LaVerne was also blessed with 15 grandchildren, Gary (Alitha) Reetz Jr., Vicki Karo, Tom (Amy) Scott, Michael (Jennifer) Scott, Jeffrey (Amber) Scott, Jeremy Scott, Tonya (Jay) Searls, Trever Gauger, Jim Holbrook, Matt (Mariana Arena) Wood, Becca Wood, Allie (fiancAC., Ben Fisher) Wood, Eric Bender, Amanda (Dave) Cottrell and Ashley Wood; 15 great grandchildren plus 3 step great grandchildren, which when healthy, she enjoyed immensely, and loved spending time with and helping them grow. Further loved and survived by many nieces, nephews and friends! Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by sons-in-law, Gary Reetz Sr. and Rick Vachavake, brother, William Goyke, sister-in-law, Loretta Goyke and brother-in-law, Jack Geier. Some of her favorite past times included family picnics at the beach, celebration gatherings along with weekend family visits, cooking/baking for her family. She was an avid Bears & Cubs fan and loved the Latin Mass. LaVerne loved to listen-to and sing old country and variety songs to entertain her family at any age, was very entertaining, and had a great sense of humor. She openly shared her memories and life experiences, and occasionally raised a brew on St. Patty's Day, because everyone is Irish on St. Patty's Day! Thank you from our hearts Mom, for all the memories and your selflessness in devoting your entire adult life for us kids, a truly amazing gift from an amazing, caring and loving mother. A special thanks of gratitude to Amanda, Pam, Robyn, Holly and other staff members at Rennes, for assisting the family through end of life's journey, truly caring and compassionate. The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 22, 2016 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Robert Schaller will preside. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. Visitation will be Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Women's Community Center, Marathon County Humane Society, or any Catholic Charity of your choice. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com