Laverne G. Joosse

Laverne G. Joosse, age 102, passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Heritage Senior Living in Middleton, WI surrounded by her children. She was born on December 27, 1921 in rural Oostburg, to the late William and Mary (Dulmes) Van Ess. She graduated from Oostburg High School in 1939 and attended Sheboygan Business College. She worked as the first female secretary for Ebenreiter Lumber Company in Sheboygan until 1946. 

Laverne was united in marriage to the late Adrian Joosse on November 9, 1945 at Hingham Reformed Church. She was a life-long member of Hingham Church where she was an active member of the Mission Circle and Bible study groups. Laverne served as church secretary and assistant secretary for a combined 22 years. She was a Waldo Fireflies 4-H Club cooking leader and was active with Sheboygan County Homemakers, Merry Matrons Homemakers and Sheboygan County Women’s Guild. Laverne was a dedicated mother, grandmother and homemaker, whose greatest joy in life was her family. A gifted cook and woman of devout faith, for many years Laverne answered what she felt was her calling by providing hot meals to families and individuals in need in the community. She also enjoyed gardening, bowling, golf, entertaining, and travel.

In 2013 Laverne moved to Heritage Senior Living in Middleton to be closer to her children and granddaughter and they enjoyed frequent visits and family dinners together. She also joined her children in worship at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Madison where she became a member.

Laverne is survived by three sons, Frederick of Santa Rosa, CA; Dennis of Middleton; and Kenneth of Madison; daughter, Marjorie Coons of Middleton; granddaughter, Lauren Coons; sister, Edna Koskamp of Port Washington; brother-in-law, Carl Ten Pas; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Adrian; parents, William and Mary Van Ess; sister, Arline (John) Wisse; brothers-in-law, John Wisse, Paul Koskamp, George (Eunice) Joosse, William (Lillian) Joosse, and John (Phyllis) Joosse; sisters-in-law, Tannie (Clarence) DeMaster, Maude (Lester) Heinen, Ann (Alvin) Navis, Marie (Paul) Nyhof, Jo Ann Ten Pas and Audrey Joosse; parents-in-law, John and Maria (Geldof) Joosse; and an infant sister.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 8, 2024 at Hingham Church, W4390 Church Rd, Hingham, WI 53031. All are welcome to view a live stream of the service posted here soon. A visitation will be held at church from 10:00 am until the time of service. Laverne will be laid to rest at Cedar Grove Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to Hingham Church or Agrace Hospice. The family wishes to extend their appreciation to the staff of Heritage Senior Living and Agrace Hospice for their compassionate and attentive care.

Please share your memories of Laverne by posting in her guestbook.

Cress Funeral Service

6021 University Avenue, Madison

(608) 238-8406