LaVerne Kilmer

LaVerne Kilmer, 102, of Oskaloosa and formerly of Perry, passed away Monday, May 2, 2022, at Northern Mahaska Nursing and Rehab Center in Oskaloosa. J. LaVerne Kilmer, daughter of Charles and Jennie Siegfried Jackson, was born June 7, 1919, in Green County, Iowa. LaVerne was a 1936 graduate of Yale High School in Guthrie Center, Iowa. She then attended Simpson College and earned a teaching certificate. She was first employed by the Washington Township Consolidated School, where she taught for two years. LaVerne was united in marriage to Howard N. Kilmer on December 24, 1939, in Richland, Iowa. They began their life together on a farm near Panora, Iowa. While her children were young, LaVerne stayed home and occasionally substitute taught in the local school. In 1955, LaVerne returned to full-time teaching in the Perry School system, where she taught lower elementary grades. After 23 years of teaching, LaVerne retired in 1978. Throughout these years, LaVerne took courses at Drake University and earned her bachelor’s degree. After Howard died in 2001, LaVerne moved to Pella. She moved to Oskaloosa in 2011 to be closer to her daughter. During her retirement years, LaVerne and Howard enjoyed traveling in their R.V., and they lived in Texas for several years. She also enjoyed crafts, painting, and needlework in her spare time. LaVerne was a lifetime member of the Perry Hospital Auxiliary and volunteered many hours at the Lutheran Home in Perry. The church was always a primary focus to LaVerne, and she credits it with giving her a good start in life. In Oskaloosa, she was a member of the Central United Methodist Church. LaVerne’s family includes her children: Sondra and Jerry Bottenfield of Oskaloosa and Larry and Connie Kilmer of Toledo, Iowa; six grandchildren: Mindy (J.D.) Sinniff of Eddyville and Gary (Mark) Kilmer of Las Vegas and their mother, Judy Kilmer of Ottumwa; Robin (Mike) Delaney of Fort Madison, Kam (Tycene) Bottenfield of Ottumwa, Tamra (Kirk) Maroushek of St. Paul, MN; and Sean (Stacey) Kilmer also of St. Paul, MN; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and her husband, LaVerne was preceded in death by a son, Danny Kilmer, and a brother, Forest Jackson. As was her wish, LaVerne’s body has been cremated. At this time, no services are planned. Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with LaVerne’s final arrangements.

LaVerne Kilmer

June 7, 1919 - May 2, 2022