LaVerle Wilken

Wilken, LaVerle M. age 89 of Mounds View

LaVerle Mae Bergh was born on October 6th, 1929 in Brandon MN.  Upon the end of World War II she met the love of her life, Charlie Wilken while playing “taps” on her trumpet to recognize those that sacrificed for our country, and in 1948 they were married.  LaVerle and Charlie raised five rambunctious children; Ken (1948), Craig (1950), Bill (1953), Julie (1958) and Dave (1964).  All who eventually brought many grandchildren and great grandchildren to continue LaVerle’s legacy.

In 1972, Charlie suffered a serious accident, leaving him with a disability for the rest of his life.  At that time LaVerle started work as a cook for the school lunch program.  LaVerle and Charlie were avid travelers.  They spent their winters driving south, east and west, enjoying the scenery and visiting friends and relatives along the way.  They went on cruises to the Caribbean, Central America and Alaska and toured Scandinavia.  They spent summers at their lake home near Brandon, where they enjoyed many lifelong friends and relatives.  Throughout this time, LaVerle was the emotional rock to help Charlie recover until he died at the age of 87 in 2011.

LaVerle was an active member of the Council of Women at her church of St. Timothy’s for many years.  She loved to bowl and belonged to several bowling leagues, she became an artist and created many beautiful paintings, she joined many clubs that included socializing and through it all, she had an overall zest for life that endured.  With her positive and determined outlook, LaVerle touched many lives and will be greatly missed and fondly remembered for the remarkable person she was and the positive impact she had on so many people’s lives.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Charlie; Survived by children, Ken, Craig (Katherine), Bill (Marcia), Julie (Paul) Simonett, Dave (Lori); 11 grandchildren, Kyle, Michael, Melanie Epp, Karli, Lauren Ingwaldson, Brad, Katie, Joe, Drew, Spencer and Cole; many great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nehews, other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, 11AM with visitation one hour prior at the Church of St. Timothy, 707 - 89th Ave NE, Blaine. Private interment at a later date in Brandon Cemetery, Brandon, MN . In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.
www.millerfuneralfridley.com