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Pomerenke, LaVerne

LaVerne “Ma” Pomerenke, 78, of Ogdensburg, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 20 at the hospital in Zephyrhills, Florida where she and her husband spent the winter months.

“Ma” sang in the choir, was a member of the bible study group, loved her painting classes and thoroughly enjoyed her winters in Settler’s Rest estates in Zephyrhills. LaVerne was born on November 2, 1934 in Waupaca, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Clarence and Leila (Bledsoe) Ogren. She grew up in the King area and spent much time on the lakes and visiting the residents of the Wisconsin Veterans Home. On May 30, 1953 she married Donavin L. Pomerenke of Almond, Wisconsin at the Methodist Church of Waupaca. Donavin enlisted in the Army and he and LaVerne spent time in Texas and Washington before moving back to Waupaca County. They bought a farm near Ogdensburg in 1963 where they remained to the present time, except for the winter months when they went to Florida. LaVerne was a big lover of animals of all kinds, but especially cats and horses. She enjoyed flowers and gardening. She loved to attend the Mid-Western Rodeo in Manawa; she was proud to say that she had been at the very first one and she made a point to go every year. In 1980 LaVerne and Donavin purchased a tavern in Ogdensburg and named it ‘Ma and Pa’s Place’, as everyone called her “Ma” anyway it fit perfectly. They ran the tavern for almost 10 years and made many friends through the tavern, pool league, and men’s and women’s softball teams.

“Ma” will be sadly missed by Donavin, her husband of almost 60 years, her two daughters Beth (Pomerenke) Friel and Barb (Pomerenke) Cady, and her son Jeffery Pomerenke. She was grandmother to Joseph Braatz, Marie Braatz, Naomi (Braatz) Beahm, and Brett Cady. She also had six great-grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be held at the First Lutheran Church of Ogdensburg on April 13, 2013 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

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