Laverne John Schmitt

LaVerne John Schmitt, age 85, of Neillsville, WI, died on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at the Care and Rehabilitation Center- Neillsville. LaVerne was born on September 13, 1931 in Neillsville, WI the son of Jacob and Sarah (Hainz) Schmitt. He attended St. Mary's Grade School and graduated from Neillsville High School in 1950. He served with the United States Army during the Korean War in 1952 and 1953. LaVerne was united in marriage to Delores Zimmerman on June 15, 1963 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Boyd, WI. Together they farmed in the town of Grant. While he farmed LaVerne also found time to remodel and build new buildings on the farm. He sawed all of the logs that he cut into lumber from trees on the farm. He built the rafters for the barn and also for the house when they remodeled. He removed the roof of the main section in March and reshaped the roof and added the new rafters. Luckily it did not rain before he could add the new shingles. In recent years he enjoyed collecting and restoring antique gas engines into good running condition. He showed these engines and attended shows in WI, MN, IA and Canada.He is survived by his wife, Delores, two sons; Kenneth John (Laurie) Schmitt of Colfax, WI and James Allen (Lori) Schmitt of Mount Horeb, WI, seven grandchildren; Andrew, Derek, Adam, Allison, Amy, Elizabeth and Timothy and two nephews; Robert and Mark Illinski.LaVerne was preceded in death by his parents, siblings; Lourdes Illinski, Ivo Schmitt and Ira Schmitt.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 11, 2016 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Neillsville. Rev. Varkey V. Joseph will officiate. Providing music will be Vicente Cortez, organist and St. Mary's Choir. Visitation time will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Friday morning at St. Mary's. Interment will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, with military honors performed by the Neillsville Veteran's Council.Casket bearers are: Andrew Schmitt, Derek Schmitt, Adam Schmitt, Mark Illinski, Bob Illinski and Ed Crothers.Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting LaVerne's family with Funeral arrangements. Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456