LaVerne Norene (Mantle) Keisker passed away in her home on September 14, 2010 at the age of 87. LaVerne was born August 24, 1923 to the late Arthur Mantle and Elsie (Maier) Mantle at Bonnets Mill, MO. When she was young, her family moved to Chamois, MO. Where she grew up and attended school.
On May 30, 1942 she married her high school sweetheart Clifford Keisker, and they spent over 57 years together. Cliff, a World War II veteran, died March 25, 2000.
After the war they made their home in Warrensburg, MO. When Cliff retired in 1985, they moved to Springfield, MO.
LaVerne was a homemaker, a volunteer, working in the church, the hospital and girl scouts. She was a member of Campbell United Methodist Church where she was an active member of united Methodist Women as President, and circle Chair. In earlier years she worked with children as a Sunday school teacher.
LaVerne was a seamstress and also interested in crafts, esp. making Barbie-Doll clothes. She was an avid bridge player.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and a sister, Dorothy Wuelling. She is survived by her son Gary Keisker, and his wife Carol, of Springfield, MO., a daughter Karen and husband Dr. Michael Wyatt of Santa Maria, CA., five grandchildren and spouses Ty Keisker (Stephanie); Kent Wyatt (Pamela); Kelly Bickley (Chad); Joshua Keisker and Jamie Keisker, and eight great grand children, Preston and Landon Keisker, Parker and Adeline Wyatt, Drew and Paige Bickley, and Hannah and Kate Keisker. Other survivors are a sister, Ruby Scarpace of St. Louis, MO; two brothers and spouses: Delmar Mantle (Shirley) of Winchester, TN, and Virgil Mantle (Linda) of St. Louis, MO; and many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
The family is grateful for the excellent care given by Oxford Hospice nurses, Kim and Jamie, and aid Shirley. A special thanks also for her personal aid and friend Cheryl.
LaVerne Keisker, a woman of faith, love, strength, and kindness will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services will be held at Campbell United Methodist Church, 1747 E. Republic Rd., Springfield, MO, Saturday, September 18, 2010, at 9:00 am. Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery, Chamois, MO, at 4:00 PM the same day. Visitation will be Friday, September 17, 2010, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Greenlawn Funeral Home South.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Campbell United Methodist Church, Hospice or charity of choice.
Services have been entrusted in Greenlawn South Funeral Home.