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LaVerne Margaret Kelsmark nee Petersen left us peacefully on November 26, 2015 with her loving and devoted husband by her bedside. Born on January 4, 1928 in Racine, Wisconsin, she married Edward Henry Kelsmark on October 11, 1947 after relocating to Texas. Their union produced seven children whom they loved dearly. She was our superwoman who seemed to do all things tirelessly and effortlessly. She retired after many years of service with J.C. Penny. She was a natural in the kitchen, preparing delicious meals to the delight of her family and close friends. She loved to sew and made numerous Easter outfits for her girls and she could whip out a repair like the best of seamstresses. She kept a tidy house, often delegating chores to the hands of her children. Known for the gift of gab, she could strike up a conversation with a stranger. Aside from loving her family and friends, she enjoyed travelling abroad as well as to casinos with her husband to play slot machines for hours, watching Jeopardy game show episodes and playing crossword puzzles, and returning to Wisconsin for family reunions. She truly was the life of the party. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter Claudia, parents Celia Petersen and Elmer Petersen, as well as siblings Eugene Petersen, Buddy Petersen, Billy Petersen, and Rosemary Johns. LaVerne is survived by husband Edward, daughters Cathy McKee Earnie, Carla Signorelli Fred, Kevin Ann Kelsmark, Shiela Franks Gary, Lisa West; son John Kelsmark; sisters Gloria Harmel and Sharon Broege Dennis; grandchildren Brian McKee Holly, Michelle Aguillon Ray, Stacy Burda, Heather Barker Bill, Fred Signorelli Jr., Lauren Gregory, Derek West, and Lindsey West; great grandchildren Abby and Kendall McKee, Karissa Aguillon, Brenna Cordova, Skylar Burda, Ava and Olivia Barker, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Fred J. Tips Mausoleum Chapel at Mission Burial Park North, located at 20900 IH 10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257. A service celebrating her life will begin at 11 a.m. followed by interment. LaVerne's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at St. Luke's Hospital particularly for the exceptional care given by Dr. Paul Silva, nurses Candse, Jaime, and Jennifer. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

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LaVerne Margaret Kelsmark

January 4, 1928 - November 26, 2015