LaVerne C. Riese, age 70, of Brodhead, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, August 23, 2009 in Brodhead, Wisconsin. He endured a courageous battle with Leukemia.
Vern was born October 11, 1938 in Spring Grove (Green County), Wisconsin. He served in the U.S. Army in Berlin, Germany. He and his loving wife Jan of 52 years were married in Dubuque, Iowa on June 29, 1957. Vern worked at the Beloit Corporation for 40 years as an engine lathe operator and then at the US Post Office in Monroe until retiring in May, 2009.
He loved many sports including bowling, golf, Wisconsin Badger basketball and football, Milwaukee Brewer baseball and especially the Green Bay Packers. He very much cherished attending events of his grandchildren. He enjoyed his beautiful gardens, fishing in northern Wisconsin where his family spent numerous summer vacations and deer hunting with his sons and grandsons.
He was a member of the Congregational UCC in Brodhead and the American Legion in Monroe.
He was survived by his wife, Jan; children: Sherry (Bob) Gerred of Orfordville, Randy (Colleen) Riese of Juda, Laurie (Henry) Londo of Janesville, Steve (Karen) Riese of McFarland and Mike (Lori) Riese of Brodhead; sisters: Donna (Don) George of Janesville and Sandy (Ray) Betley of Beloit; a brother, Dick (Norma) Riese of Beloit; a sister-in-law, Jackie Riese of Beloit; a brother-in-law, Jerry (Deborah) Gilbert of Woodson, Texas; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Florence Riese and a brother, Duane Riese.
He touched the lives of many people including the entire staff at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin where he fought his disease with unending strength and dignity. A special thank you to the Dean Oncology Clinic including Dr. Prendergast, Dr. Kim and the staff; the Fifth Floor SW nursing staff at St. Mary's and Rock County Hospice for all their care and support.
He spent his last weeks living life to the fullest, treasuring every moment with his family. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend anyone could ever hope for. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, at the Congregational United Church of Christ, E201 23rd Street, Brodhead, with Pastor R. Tiffany Bates officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Brodhead, with Military Rites. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of services on Thursday, August 27, at the church. D.L. Newcomer Funeral Home, Brodhead, is assisting the family.
Vern was born October 11, 1938 in Spring Grove (Green County), Wisconsin. He served in the U.S. Army in Berlin, Germany. He and his loving wife Jan of 52 years were married in Dubuque, Iowa on June 29, 1957. Vern worked at the Beloit Corporation for 40 years as an engine lathe operator and then at the US Post Office in Monroe until retiring in May, 2009.
He loved many sports including bowling, golf, Wisconsin Badger basketball and football, Milwaukee Brewer baseball and especially the Green Bay Packers. He very much cherished attending events of his grandchildren. He enjoyed his beautiful gardens, fishing in northern Wisconsin where his family spent numerous summer vacations and deer hunting with his sons and grandsons.
He was a member of the Congregational UCC in Brodhead and the American Legion in Monroe.
He was survived by his wife, Jan; children: Sherry (Bob) Gerred of Orfordville, Randy (Colleen) Riese of Juda, Laurie (Henry) Londo of Janesville, Steve (Karen) Riese of McFarland and Mike (Lori) Riese of Brodhead; sisters: Donna (Don) George of Janesville and Sandy (Ray) Betley of Beloit; a brother, Dick (Norma) Riese of Beloit; a sister-in-law, Jackie Riese of Beloit; a brother-in-law, Jerry (Deborah) Gilbert of Woodson, Texas; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Florence Riese and a brother, Duane Riese.
He touched the lives of many people including the entire staff at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin where he fought his disease with unending strength and dignity. A special thank you to the Dean Oncology Clinic including Dr. Prendergast, Dr. Kim and the staff; the Fifth Floor SW nursing staff at St. Mary's and Rock County Hospice for all their care and support.
He spent his last weeks living life to the fullest, treasuring every moment with his family. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend anyone could ever hope for. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, at the Congregational United Church of Christ, E201 23rd Street, Brodhead, with Pastor R. Tiffany Bates officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Brodhead, with Military Rites. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of services on Thursday, August 27, at the church. D.L. Newcomer Funeral Home, Brodhead, is assisting the family.