Laverne M. Miller

Laverne Marie Miller passed away on May 1, 2023 at HeatherWood Assisted Living in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Born in Sheboygan on May 29, 1928 to Cecilia (Lilly) and Peter Wollersheim, Verne graduated from Sheboygan Central High School in 1946. A late addition to her family, Verne was the youngest of four with her next-oldest sibling fifteen years her senior. 

Verne worked her way through school, attending the University of Wisconsin Extension, Marquette University, and Northwestern University. She spent eight years working for D’Arcy advertising in Chicago as assistant media director.

Verne met her husband-to-be, Dr. David Miller, on a blind date in Chicago. At dinner, Verne did most of the talking, leading her to conclude that the date had been a bust until she realized that her less talkative date had been delivering witty one-liners all evening long. Verne and David were married in Chicago on September 29, 1962. The couple then moved to Eau Claire.

During her sixty years living in Eau Claire, Verne devoted herself to her family, her friends, and her community.  Verne and David had two children, Jennifer and Peter. The family grew to include Jennifer’s husband Craig Pedersen and their children Heather and David. The Pedersens currently reside south of Eau Claire. Peter married Heather Tubbs and lives in Durham, New Hampshire with their three sons, Noah, Henry, and William.  Verne was preceded in death by her sister Verona, her brother Clarence, and her sister Marcella. 

Verne served on numerous boards and committees with Sacred Heart Hospital, Luther Hospital, the United Way, UWEC, the Eau Claire Regional Arts Council, and others. She enjoyed traveling with David, playing bridge, Mahjong, and golf, walking at the mall, and socializing with her many friends. Verne will be remembered for her many contributions to Eau Claire, a community she loved, and for her elegance, good humor, and grace. The family would like to extend its gratitude to the First Congregational Church for its lifelong support and to HeatherWood Assisted Living and Memory Care for outstanding care at the end of Verne’s life.

A celebration of Verne’s life is being planned.  

The family requests memorials be sent to Hope Gospel Mission in support of her daughter and son-in-law’s work to continue to make Eau Claire a beautiful place to live.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

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