LaVerne Wilcox

LaVerne Bernice Wilcox, 98, passed away peacefully at Sheyenne Crossings, West Fargo, on September 15, 2021.

LaVerne was born on Dec 6, 1922, to Henry and Henrietta Beilke in Fargo, North Dakota. After graduating from Buffalo High School, she went on to study at Moorhead State University.

After graduation, LaVerne taught school in Wheatland, North Dakota and directed the music program.

LaVerne married Jack Wilcox June 12, 1943, and they made their home on Jack’s family farm in Buffalo, North Dakota. They went on to have six children: Randy (Peg) Wilcox, Commerce Township, MI; Jackie Gilmore (Tom Berning), Wayzata, MN: Greg (Jean) Wilcox, Casselton, ND; Jim (Jeannine) Wilcox, Buffalo, ND; Shelly (Roger) Effertz, Granville, ND; and Dan Wilcox, Detroit Lakes, MN.

LaVerne dedicated her life to being a busy homemaker and mother. Her talents in the kitchen still have her children making the cherished family favorites yet today. Much of it German fare. Her husband, Jack, planted a huge garden each year, and she canned and preserved it all for the winter months. She patiently encouraged her children to learn how to do all those things that she felt were important in making a home. Every meal was orchestrated for the taste buds, and those flavors had to compliment the palate. She was a master at that. Her love of music was evident to all. She could easily play any tune on the piano by ear, and she also studied piano in her formative years. Her recital piece from high school, Falling Waters, was played throughout the years every time our family gathered, up until just a year ago. Most of her children learned to dance in the living room while she played waltzes and lively polkas. She is the reason all of her children could dance. LaVerne sewed a lot of her own clothes and those of her children. She had a flair for fashion and would take great pride in choosing fabrics and patterns. Her creativity also surfaced in painting and doing various craft projects. LaVerne loved words, as evidenced by her passion for the word game, Scrabble. Many long, drawn-out games happened over the years with her own mother, and then her daughters. LaVerne did not like losing!! She also loved reading novels and poetry, working crossword puzzles, and intellectually challenging her mind. She enjoyed trips to Alaska, Egypt, and Germany. She took a few Caribbean cruises with the entire family and spent multiple winters in Texas.

LaVerne belonged to the First Presbyterian Church in Buffalo, North Dakota. She served on church council and was active in her church circle and Bible study groups. Throughout the years, she served as church organist. She was also a member of Eastern Star.

LaVerne was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Jack Wilcox, three brothers, Clarence, Burnell, and Rodney Beilke, her sister, MarJean Peterson, and son-in-law Tom Gilmore. She is survived by her children, her brother Wesley Beilke, 18 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren.

Laverne created a loving, close-knit family who strives to cherish the traditions that made her house a beautiful home. She will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at West Funeral Home in West Fargo, ND, Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 2 p.m. Visitation at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Buffalo Cemetery on Memorial weekend in the spring. Details to follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in LaVerne’s memory to Hospice of Red River Valley, the Buffalo Cemetery, or a charity of personal choice.

Funeral:  Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 2 p.m. at West Funeral Home Chapel with visitation one hour before.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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