Laverne K. Schnitzler

LaVerne K. Schnitzler, age 92, of Elizabeth, Illinois, died Saturday, February 14, 2009, at the Good Samaritan Society in Mt. Carroll, Illinois. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2009, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Derinda, Illinois, with Pastor David Vidler officiating. Burial will follow in the Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery in Derinda. Visitation will be held from 4 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, February 17, at the Law – Jones Funeral Home in Elizabeth, Illinios. Memorials may be directed to the Derinda Trinity Lutheran Handicapped Addition.

LaVerne was born September 20, 1916, in Derinda Twp, Illinois, the daughter of Samuel and Caroline (Rath) Groezinger. She was united in marriage to Carl J. Schnitzler on February 14, 1939, in Derinda Twp. He preceded her in death on February 23, 2003. The couple farmed together their entire lives in the Derinda and Woodbine areas.

LaVerne loved raising chickens and dairy cows on the farm. She also enjoyed sewing and cooking for the hired men on the farm, but her greatest love was her children, grandchildren, and great – grandchildren. LaVerne nurtured her special needs son, Mark, until the time of his death.

LaVerne is survived by three daughters, Norma (Robert) McLane of Elizabeth, Illinois, Judy (Warren) Holton of Freeport, Illinois, and Mary (Rod) Smith of Elizabeth; two sons, Marvin (Elizabeth) Schnitzler of Elizabeth, and Gary (Mary) Schnitzler of Elizabeth; seventeen grandchildren, twenty – five great grandchildren; one sister – in – law, Lillian Groezinger of Elizabeth; and her friend Karen Steffes of Elizabeth; and her companion, Daisy the Dog.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; one son, Mark Schnitzler; two daughters, Arlene Schnitzler and Sandra Schnitzler; one brother, Ralph Groezinger; and one sister, Irma Haas.