LaVerne Gabrielse, 91, of Oostburg, passed away on Friday, November 1, 2019, at
Pine Haven Christian Home in Sheboygan Falls.
LaVerne was born on August 20, 1928, in the Town of Wilson, daughter of Elmer and
Henrietta (Gabrielse) Meerdink. She was a 1946 graduate of Oostburg High School. On
August 11, 1948, she married John L. Gabrielse in Oostburg. John preceded her in
death on August 28, 2009. LaVerne was a devoted homemaker and was employed at
Mentink’s IGA, Dutchland Plastics and Tolibia Cheese.
LaVerne was a member of First Christian Reformed Church in Oostburg where she was
a member of the Martha Society. She was also active in the Friendship Club, Oostburg
Christian School Circle, Good As New, and Homemakers Club. LaVerne enjoyed
cooking, baking, cross-stitch, sewing, camping, gardening, and canning and freezing.
LaVerne was especially well known and appreciated for her outstanding Thanksgiving
stuffing.
LaVerne is survived by her daughter, Joan (Phil) Ramaker of Oostburg; three sons,
Gary (Bev) Gabrielse, Jeff (Kris) Gabrielse, and Dan (Nancy) Gabrielse, all of Oostburg;
10 grandchildren, Andy (Kim) Ramaker, Sara Ramaker, Gina (Dave) Huibregtse, Kami
(Jon) VanEss, Jessica (Michael) Woltring, Joshua Gabrielse, Jonathan Gabrielse, Tony
(Jen) Gabrielse, Amanda Gabrielse, and Alyssa (Tyler) Egerer; 13 great-grandchildren;
two sisters, Eileen VerDuin of Sheboygan and LuAnn (Dale) TenPas of Oostburg; one
brother, Arvin (Doris) Meerdink of Oostburg; and four sisters-in-law, Phyllis Meerdink of
Sheboygan Falls, Arlene Meerdink of Denver, CO, Carol (Harlan) Roerdink of
Oostburg, and Loretta Gabrielse of Sheboygan; and three brothers-in-law, David
(Helen) Gabrielse of Oostburg, Peter Gabrielse of Sheboygan Falls and Cornelius
(Mary) Gabrielse of Sheboygan.
LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, John L.; her parents, one
sister, Muriel (Martin) DeVriend; two brothers, Eugene and Roger Meerdink; and her
brother-in-law, Jim VerDuin.
Funeral services to celebrate LaVerne’s life will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday,
November 5, 2019 at the First Christian Reformed Church in Oostburg with Rev. Drew
Zylstra officiating. Burial will take place at Oostburg Cemetery in the Town of Holland.
Relatives and friends may gather at the church on Monday from 4-8 pm and on
Tuesday from 9:30 until the time of the service at 10:30 am.
A memorial fund has been established in LaVerne’s name for the Oostburg Friendship
Club and the Pine Haven Christian Communities.
For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfh.com
The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home (920-564-2771) is assisting LaVerne’s family with
arrangements.
