LaVerne E. Parkin

LaVerne E. Parkin, age 96, died on September 17, 2026, at Angelus Senior Living, Manitowoc.

LaVerne was born September 20, 1929, to the late Ervin and Alma Krueger. She graduated from Lincoln High School, Manitowoc, Class of 1947. In 1965 she married James Parkin in Manitowoc.

She worked at Mirro Manufacturing for five years after graduating from high school. She then lived in Milwaukee and San Francisco. In 1956 she moved to Chicago where she was employed as office manager for John Hancock Life Insurance Co. until her marriage to James in 1965. LaVerne was then employed by the Manitowoc Company, Inc. for 25 years. After her retirement of six months (not for her) she was employed by the Manitowoc Public School System as a library aide at Stangel Elementary School until her second retirement in 2008 to take care of her husband.

LaVerne loved the stage. She was a member of Masquers Inc. in many different roles - performing, directing, and serving as treasurer and board member. She also performed at Forst Inn’s Little Sandwich Theater. She not only loved the theater, she also enjoyed music and was an avid reader, always with a book at her side.

She is survived by two stepdaughters: Charlene (Rollin) Smith, Ohio; Pamela (Rick) Fontaine, Ohio; four step grandchildren: Nathan, Alexander, Katie, and Charlene; very special nieces: Diane Roidt and Deb (Gary) Landgraf; special nephew and his wife: Thomas (Penny) Beerntsen; nephews: Dennis (Sue) Krueger and Gary (Carla) Krueger. She is further survived by grandnieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her husband: James; parents: Ervin and Alma Krueger; two brothers; one sister; three brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law; and Diane’s husband Dave Roidt.

There will be no visitation as was her wish. A memorial fund has been established for Masquers Inc.

Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Claire streets Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.