LaVerne Ellen Springer (nee Collard) passed into eternal life on November 1, 2016 at Pleasant View Nursing Home. LaVerne was born on June 15, 1920 to Raymond Collard and Ellen (Campbell) Collard Dier. As a child, LaVerne loved playing kick the can, run sheep run, going to Navy Pier, and performing in local theater productions. She met her future husband, Donald Springer, in Lake Geneva, IL, where they both worked at a summer camp. They coincidentally reconnected at Oberlin College in Cleveland, OH, where she earned her RN degree. They were married on March 31, 1945, just days before the end of WWII. Because of the war, LaVerne was unable to find a pair of white shoes, so she was married in a pair of white slippers. She worked as a public health nurse in Chicago while her husband went through medical school. Don and LaVerne moved to Monroe in 1953 when Don joined the Medical Center. Although being a mother of four young children, LaVerne quickly established herself as a pillar of her community, taking on leadership roles in PTA, Christian Women's Club, St. Clare Women's Auxiliary, The United Way, and many others. As a stalwart member of St. John's United Church of Christ, she founded the crib room, taught Sunday school for teens, served on the selection committee, and produced Christmas programs for many years. In later years, LaVerne continued her love of theater, allowing access to her vast collection of costumes to various schools and theater groups. She loved performing in skits at church and various clubs. Dixieland jazz was her passion and that vivacious music certainly mirrored her unique personality.

LaVerne is survived by four children, Launa (Rob) Carter of Monroe, Donna Springer Berthelsen of Sacramento, CA, Jan (Dave) Springer-Roberts of Waukegan, IL, and Dr. David Springer of LaCrosse, WI; a grand-son, Bill (Ashley) Kettering; a granddaughter, Brandi (Brian) Haught; step-grandchildren, Susan Suter and Steven Hirsch; three great-grandchildren; and a half-brother, Jim (Marion) Dier of Hayward, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Fred Dier; her husband, Donald in 1984; a son-in-law, Gene Berthelsen; a sister, Rae Collard Yaffee of Lexington, MA; several step-sisters; and in-laws, Harry and Frieda Springer of Chicago and later Monroe.

A memorial celebrating her life will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2016, at 1:30 p.m., at St. John's United Church of Christ. Pastor Kathleen Rinear and Pastor Mary Gafner will officiate with a private family burial to follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe. Memorials in LaVerne's name are suggested to St. John's UCC, Friends of Pleasant View, or Green County Humane Society. The Newcomer Funeral Home, Monroe, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net.

A Flower in Passing Leaves A Meadow of Memories.

Rob Carter