Laverna Mae Lesmeister

Memorial Services for Laverna Lesmeister of Morris will take place at Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris on Friday, December 30, 2022 at 3:30 p.m., with Father Todd Schneider officiating. A visitation will be held prior to services from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Laverna Mae Rinkenberger was born on August 13, 1931 to Albert and Lydia Rinkenberger in Horton Township near Morris, Minnesota; she was the seventh of eight children. As a child Laverna attended country school and spent much of her time working on the family homestead, especially in the orchard.

In 1952, Laverna married James Lesmeister and the two would welcome six children: Kenneth, Jerome, Lois, Joyce, Vernon, and Allan. The family lived together in Morris for ten years before building a home farther out of town. Together they would enjoy playing cards, games, going outside in the snow, and watching television. Laverna spent many years taking care of her family and acting as the bookkeeper for Jim’s company. In the past she also worked in the bakery at the local supermarket, was a waitress and bartender, and grocery clerk.

When not at work, Laverna enjoyed participating in the Eagles Auxiliary and the Daffodil Days, a branch of The American Cancer Society. She also loved to travel, Oregon being her favorite destination. When asked, Laverna said her biggest achievement was her family. She spent the last several years of her life enjoying her family and fellow residents at the Grandview Apartments in Morris, especially while enjoying a round of her favorite game – bingo. Laverna passed away peacefully at her residence on Saturday, December 17, 2022; she was 91 years old.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Ken (Diane) Lesmeister of Morris, Lois (Ace) Sperr of Morris, Joyce Ehalt of Morris, Vern Lesmeister (Karen Hagstrom) of Alexandria, and Al Lesmeister (Patti Severance) of Cyrus; brother, Joseph Rinkenberger; sister, Esther Lembcke; grandchildren: Troy, Tiffany, Kim, Nic, Matt, Kristin, Adam, Sarah, Rachel, Howard, Marilyn, Emily, Molly, Adrienne, Anthony, Michael, Tyler, Kandice, and Cody; 29 great-grandchildren, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents: Albert and Lydia Rinkenberger; brothers: Arthur, Marlyn, and Francis Rinkenberger; sisters: Bernice Ashbaugh, Irene Lavallier; her son, Jerry Lesmeister; great-granddaughter, Addison Knott; as well as her daughters-in-law: Lee Lesmeister and Jeanne Lesmeister.