LaVerne Hettinga

LaVerne A. Hettinga, age 94, of Wausau died on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at Aspirus Hospice House.

LaVerne was born on February 19, 1927, in Wausau to the late William and Alma (Borchardt) Yolitz.  She was united in marriage to Andrew Hettinga on September 30, 1950, at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church.  LaVerne was the glue that held her entire family together.  She loved to make her friends and family happy through her love of baking and cooking.  She never went anywhere without a pan of bars or a plate of cookies.  LaVerne was a faithful member of St,. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, having been baptized, confirmed, and married there.  She was an amazing woman of God and would encourage her family to “Just pray about it” whenever facing struggles.

LaVerne is survived by her daughter Nelda Hettinga, son-in-law Tom Spencer, brother Herb Yolitz, sisters-in-law Darlene Yolitz and Dawn Hettinga, and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Hettinga, daughter Melody Spencer, and siblings Wilbert, Elva, Lucille, Joyce and David.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 512 McClellan Street, Wausau.   The service will also be livestreamed and can be viewed. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the time of the service at the church on Saturday, January 22, 2022.  Masks will be required.  Burial will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery at 9:00 am on Friday, January 28, 2022.  A celebration of life will also be held this summer.  Details will be forwarded to family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in LaVerne’s name.

The family would like to thank the staff of Aspirus Hospice House for their love and care during LaVerne’s short stay.