LaVerne Miller

PEORIA - LaVerne E. Miller, 94, of Peoria, Ill., formerly of Fort Dodge, Iowa, passed away at 12:10 a.m. Friday, May 1, 2015, at Manor Court in Liberty Village, surrounded by family members, the compassionate nurses from Transitions Hospice Care and the dedicated and loving staff at Manor Court.

Born July 9, 1920, in Fort Dodge to Merle and Alvina Jeffers, she married Norman C. Miller on May 12, 1943, in Fort Dodge. He died on Nov. 16, 2011.

She also was preceded in death by her brother.

Surviving are two sons, the Rev. Ron C. (Maryanne) Miller of Edwards, Ill., and James D. (Jan) Miller of Urbandale, Iowa; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

LaVerne and Norman were co-owners and operators for over 40 years of Miller Office Equipment Co. in Fort Dodge, where she took delight that their employees and customers alike called her "mom."

She was an officer and active participant in the women's auxiliary of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 49-Fort Dodge.

Her life was centered on the Lord and her assurance of heaven through grace alone, her family and her church. She was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge, where she served on numerous committees and was a lay visitor to shut-ins. After moving to Peoria, she became a faithful member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, where her eldest son served as senior pastor.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2015, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge, Iowa, with visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will be in North Lawn Cemetery in Fort Dodge.

Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Fort Dodge is in charge of arrangements, with local arrangements provided by Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Chapel.

Memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church Food Bank or the charity of the donor's choice.