Laverne Swiggum

LaVerne Swiggum, 82, of Gays Mills, died Friday, March 20, 2015. LaVerne R. Swiggum, age 82, of Gays Mills, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2015 at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse with his family by his side. He was born on January 10, 1933 in Soldiers Grove to the late Melvin 'M.C.' and Mabel (Johnson) Swiggum. LaVerne served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953 until 1955. On September 28, 1957, he married Lavonne Schulz at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua. LaVerne was employed for 16 years at Nelson Motors in Gays Mills, and later retired from Dagnon Motor Company in Prairie du Chien after 21 years of employment. For several years he operated LaVernes Sewing Repair. He was an active and faithful member of Mount Sterling Lutheran Church. He belonged to the Coulee Antique Engine Club where he always enjoyed showing his restored gas engines. LaVerne was a member of the American Legion Post in Gays Mills. On May 17, 2014, he fulfilled a long-time wish by visiting Washington D.C. with the Freedom Honor Flight. He loved to ride his John Deere 50 tractor on the farm, and participated in tractor pulls over the years. LaVerne was an avid reader and especially enjoyed reading about the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He enjoyed attending the kids and grandkids sporting and musical events. He enjoyed his years of involvement with the Boy Scouts, cheering on his favorite sports teams especially the North Crawford basketball team and the Packers. He also enjoyed the camaraderie with the guys during deer hunting season. He and Lavonne enjoyed traveling in the United States and also traveled to Europe several times. LaVerne is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Lavonne; children: Peter (fiance Debbie DeBruin) Swiggum of Appleton; Diana (Matt) McGlynn of Reedsburg; and Christine (Levon) Pentecost of Bozeman, Montana; grandchildren: Erin (fianc Ryan Carlson), Garrett, Kyle, and Laina Swiggum; Clara, Laura, and Joseph McGlynn; and his sister, Arlene Jacobson of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. LaVerne was preceded in death by his siblings: Lillian (Norman) Hoyum, Ona Mae (Merlin) Dregne, Robert (Rose) Swiggum, and brother-in-law Robert Jacobson. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Gunderson Health Systems Hospice unit for their compassionate care. Funeral services for will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Mount Sterling Lutheran Church. Pastor Nile Sandeen will officiate with burial to follow in the Mount. Sterling Cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Mt. Sterling Lutheran Church, Sugar Creek Bible Camp or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.com. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Gays Mills is serving the family.