Laverne F. Bleifuss

LaVerne F. Bleifuss, age 87, of Oconomowoc, passed away on March 1, 2023 at Angels Grace Hospice. He was born on April 30, 1935 to Vernie and Grace (Walker) Bleifuss in Summit. Vernie and Grace both worked on the Pabst Farms. LaVerne had many fond childhood memories of growing up there.

LaVerne graduated from Oconomowoc High School. He then attended the Layton School of Fine Arts where he received a BA. He then served in the U.S. Army for 4 years and was honorably discharged. Afterwards he started his career with Kalmbach Publishing where he became Art Director for the Model Railroader Magazine. He retired from Kalmbach after being there 40 years.

On May 25, 1974, LaVerne was united in marriage to Delores Stelse. Delores and LaVerne enjoyed many years together and traveled together often. Later in life Delores had difficult health issues. LaVerne was an incredible caregiver for many years.

LaVerne was a proud member of the Summit Fire Department. He was one of the Charter Members the department started in 1969. He volunteered for 43 years.

LaVerne loved going to rummage sales and had his own annual rummage sale. He loved to paint, play cards with his friends, going to casinos, and making rosettes for family and friends.

LaVerne is survived by his children, Georgia (Bruce) LeMoine, Gary (April) Kaufman, Karen (Steve) Toman, Lori (Greg) Thielen; 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; his sister, Ruth Zastrow; his niece and nephews, Russell (Sandy) Schneiderwent, Steve (Donna) Zastrow, Kathy Zastrow; 9 great-nieces and nephews and 14 great-great-nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Beverly (Kenneth) Stelse, Sue (Hank) Zane; and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by wife, Delores; his children, Jeanine Anagnostopoulos and Gayle Struble; brother-in-law, Frank Zastrow; and his parents, Vernie and Grace (Walker) Bleifuss.

A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (new location) 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane in Oconomowoc, with a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at a later date at Summit Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Legion Post 91.