LaVerne Nickels

LaVerne Nickels, 94, of Brainerd, Minnesota, passed away Saturday, September 13, 2025, at her home with her family at her side.

She was born in Ottertail County Minnesota, on September 12, 1931, to Harold and Ruth Witthuhn. She was the oldest of 12 children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold & Ruth Witthuhn, by four brothers, James (Jim) Witthuhn, Robin (Bob) Witthuhn, Theodore (Teddy) Witthuhn and Randall (Randy) Witthuhn; four children, Barbara Perkins, David Nickels, Jeffrey Nickels and Lynn Perkins.

She is survived by five sisters, Iris Katzke (Richard), Mavis Becker (Donald), Marlys Palan (Roger), Deborah Anderson, Karleen Witthuhn; two brothers Steven Witthuhn, Karl Witthuhn; two children, Craig Nickels (Sheila), Pamela Philbin (Philip); Son in law Alvin Perkins, 15 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.

She graduated from Wadena High School in 1949, after which she attended Hamline Ashbury University where she received her nursing degree

She enjoyed traveling and toured multiple states, several international countries including, Mexico, Europe, Egypt, Greece, Peru, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Jordan. Keeping herself busy in-between travels with embroidery, gardening, reading and Sunday card games with her friends.

LaVerne was a longtime volunteer at St. Joseph’s Hospital and was recognized as a Volunteer of the Year. She also was a reading tutor at Harrison Elementary (Brainerd) for grades 1 to 5. LaVerne was a longtime and faithful member (58 years) of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church (Brainerd) and was a member of the St. Christopher’s Guild Group at St. Andrew’s.

LaVerne was employed at the State of Minnesota as a nurse from 1961 until 1991.

LaVerne’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all those who supported her throughout her life and especially in her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations to her favorite charity may be made to St Judes Hospital in LaVerne’s memory.

Though she is no longer with us, Laverne’s spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Visitation at 10 am, Services at 11am followed by lunch on Friday, Sept 26, 2025 at Saint Andrews Church in Brainerd MN. LaVerne's service will be livestreamed. You may view it here on Friday, 9/26/2025.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.