LaVerne Lillian Stoppleworth , 89, Minot, died Sunday, January 1, 2012 in a Minot Hospital.

LaVerne was born on March 17, 1922 in Belfield, North Dakota, the daughter of Dewey and Katherine (Wokal) Schurke. She was raised and educated in Belfield and graduated from Belfield High School in 1941.

LaVerne married Joy Schlag in 1942. From this union, five children were born; Donna, Karon, Marlys, Joyleen and Roger. They made their home at Velva. In 1977, LaVerne married Everett Stoppleworth and they resided in Belfield. While living there, she was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Confraternity of Christian Mother's and did volunteer work with the local pantry. After Everett's death in 1990, she moved to Minot, where she became a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church. She enjoyed bowling, baking, gardening and had a special love for nature and the outdoors.

Her greatest gift was entertaining family and friends. Her home was always open to everyone. She acquired the name "running two shoes", as she was always lovingly serving others.

LaVerne is survived by her children, Donna (Emil) Wachinski, Minot, Karon Kasprowicz, Velva, Joyleen (Dr. Steve) Mattson, Minot, Marlys Vinticinquo, Princeton, New Jersey and Roger (Nancy) Schlag, Velva; twelve grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; five step-children, Thelma, Lois, Ken, Tom and Mark; several step-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Frank, Laurel, MT; brothers, Floyd (Joan) Schuhrke, Colorado Springs, CO; Conrad Schuhrke, Gillette, WY; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Everett, son-in-law, Frank Vinticinquo, brothers, Donald, Edwin and Richard, sisters, Betty, Vivian and Ruby, step-daughter, Evelyn, nephew, Donald "Bumpo" Schuhrke and niece, Sheri Burdorf.

Mass of Christian Burial : Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 12:30 pm. in St. Leo's Catholic Church, Minot
Vigil Prayer Service : Friday, January 6th at 7:30pm. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment : Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Velva, ND.
Visitation: Friday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Bishop Ryan Assistant Chaplain's program (memo, LaVerne Stoppleworth)