LaVerne Pelkey

LaVerne Pelkey was vibrant, outgoing and dedicated. Her wonderful sense of humor could light up a room, and she loved her family dearly. She will be long remembered.

The 1920s ushered in a sense of gaiety throughout the nation and the U.S. was booming. In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in Gladstone, Clarence and Florence (McKnight) Eagle were anxiously awaiting the birth of their third child. On January 16, 1924 they welcomed LaVerne Veronica into their hearts. LaVerne grew up with two older sisters, Olive and Dorothy, and her father worked at the local saw mill. In time her family moved a short distance to Wells where she attended school through the eighth grade. Rather mischievous, LaVerne always found her share of trouble. As a teen she cleaned houses, and later worked at Kreske’s dime store in nearby Escanaba. LaVerne loved dancing at the Klondyke Dance Hall in Escanaba on the weekends. It was there that she met the love of her life, Robert Pelkey. Quite smitten and after a two year courtship, they sealed their love in marriage in April of 1942. When Robert joined the Navy, LaVerne followed him to New York where he was stationed and remained there until Robert shipped out during World War II. She then moved back home to Michigan.

After Robert’s discharge, they picked up right where they left off. They lived in Wells but moved to Grand Rapids when Robert got a job there. After renting a few places, they settled into a home of their own on Dunlap NW where they remained for the next 40 years. During this time, LaVerne and Robert began their family and eventually had four sons. Robert, Scott, Greg and Todd blessed LaVerne’s heart. Robert worked as a printer while LaVerne had various jobs through the years. She worked for several grocers, Michigan Bulb Company, and until she was 80, she worked as a security guard for Grand Valley State University. A great cook, her family savored many of her dishes, especially her cakes and chocolate éclairs. As long as her boys loved to eat, LaVerne was happy feeding them! She also liked to dine out for breakfast and for Chinese cuisine.

LaVerne always loved dancing and loved caring for her yard and beautiful flowers. She found contentment knitting, crocheting, and even made many wonderful gifts that are treasures today. She herself had a cherished collection of angels, many of which had been given as gifts. She truly loved the show, Touched By An angel and enjoyed gospel programs. Faith was an important part of LaVerne’s life. For many years she attended Second Methodist Church, and later First Assembly of God. She enjoyed a little travel, and never passed the chance to visit family in the U.P. It was hard on LaVerne when her beloved husband died in 2003. It also proved to be a sad time when her son Scott, who lived with her, died in 2006 of liver failure at the age of 48. As hard as it was, LaVerne’s strong faith and the love of family sustained her. She eventually moved to Villa Maria and was soon diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a degenerative nerve disorder. For a while Marsh Ridge became her home, but later moved to Walden Woods Assisting Living. As her health issues intensified, LaVerne was hospitalized. At the age of 86, LaVerne died on Friday, June 18, 2010. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

LaVerne is survived by her children: Robert (Marge) Pelkey, Greg (Sandra) Pelkey, Todd (Dee) Pelkey; her sister, Olive Schwartz; niece, Darlene Cox; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; other nieces, nephews and many friends. A service to celebrate LaVerne’s life will be held on Monday, 1:00 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home–Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Visitation on Monday from 11:00 AM until the service begins. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to submit a memory, photo or to sign her online guest book.