Laverne A. Slechta

LaVerne A. Slechta was born at Burns City, Indiana, March 7, 1913, the daughter of Joseph Belden and Rose Swayze Crane. In January of 1914, the family moved to Iowa and settled in Vail area. She received her elementary education in the rural schools of Milford Township before graduating from Vail High School with the class of 1930. She furthered her education during the summer of 1931 at Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls where she received her teaching certificate. She then taught for four years in the rural schools of Milford and East Boyer Township. During her formative years she was a member of the Jolly Workers 4-H Club and after teaching worked for two years at Evelyn’s Café in Denison. On February 4, 1942, LaVerne was united in marriage with Irvin Slechta at the Congregational Church Chapel in Harlan, Iowa. They farmed in Stockholm Township for two years before moving to the Slechta homestead in Milford Township in 1944 which they later purchased. They continued to farm until 1969 when they retired, and, after selling the farm in 1973, they moved to Vail. LaVerne and Irvin enjoyed their retirement years in Vail and were privileged to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 1992. Irvin died July 11, 1993 and LaVerne remained at their home until moving to the Denison Care Center in 2006. In her spare time she enjoyed quilting, reading, sewing, crocheting, solving puzzles, walking and watching television. LaVerne was an active member of her church and community where she enjoyed her memberships in the United Presbyterian Church, Helping Neighbors Club, Willing Workers Quilters, Vail Community Club and was a 77 year member of the Order of Eastern Star with her current membership being held in the Signet Chapter No. 1, Carroll, Iowa. LaVerne died Sunday morning, May 23, 2010 at the Denison Care Center in Denison. At the time of her death she had been blessed with 97 years, 2 months and 16 days. Including her parents and husband, LaVerne was also preceded in death by her brother: Everett Crane; half brother: Major Albert McCall; half sister: Lucean McCall; sister-in-law: Bernice Crane; parents-in-law: Steve and Maude Slechta; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Gus and Sevilla Vohl. Those remaining to cherish her memory include one brother: Dale Crane and his wife, Evelyn of Vail; many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 26, 2010, at the United Presbyterian Church in Vail, Iowa, with Pastor Richard Francis officiating. Music for the service included Sue Rosener singing, “One Day At A Time” and the congregation singing, “How Great Thou Art” and “In The Garden” with Ruth Noelck serving as organist. Pallbearers included Larry Crane, Dan Crane, Mark Crane, David Blair, Roger Podey, Joe Kral, Jim Slechta and Larry Frazier. Interment was at the Vail Cemetery in Vail. Following the interment the family invited everyone to return to the church and join them for fellowship and a luncheon prepared and served by the United Presbyterian Women. The Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pfannebecker.com in Denison was in charge of arrangements.