 |
 |
 |
||
 |
|
 |
 |
||
Of Arlington Heights
LaVerne E. Johnson was born December 10, 1923 in Milwaukee, WI to Herman and Elsie (nee Magritz) Erdmann. She died May 2, 2010 at the Lutheran Home and Services in Arlington Heights.
LaVerne was a graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with a degree in Speech and Drama. During her college years LaVerne was active in radio programming and presentations. As a student during WWII LaVerne participated in broadcasts on Milwaukee’s favorite radio station, WJJD.
Employed as a flight attendant LaVerne flew for Western Air Lines of Los Angeles and Denver. Rather than the long distance flights familiar today, in the early years of commercial aviation in the era of the DC3 the routine was to make six to eight stops for every flight. The frequent take off and landing contributed to a busy work day for the flight attendant. After experiencing life as a flight attendant LaVerne transferred to Minneapolis where she served as senior counselor in the Minneapolis ticket office.
An exceptional woman, LaVerne demonstrated leadership in many areas. As a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Arlington Heights, with Pastor Chris Stiger, LaVerne worked to organize the original Stephan Ministry Program at Our Saviour’s. LaVerne’s interests were manifest in organizing and presenting women’s retreats not only at Our Saviour’s but other churches. An avid reader, LaVerne led book reviews. LaVerne’s lifelong interest in drama resulted in a variety of dramatic presentations at the church. Group sessions in spirituality were another area of LaVerne’s expertise.
After obtaining a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Roosevelt University, LaVerne worked in District 214 tutoring and teaching home-bound students.
Active in Chicago Area Toastmasters International, LaVerne won several awards. Wit and humor were intricately woven into LaVerne’s presentations.
To her many friends, LaVerne was a warm, loving woman. Reaching out to others, LaVerne found life was meant to be lived with joy and good will. LaVerne will be missed by all who knew her.
Survivors include the love of her life of 54 years, Adolph “Aub” P. Johnson whom she married July 23, 1955 in Minneapolis; her sons, Daniel (Patricia), David (Lisa) and Gregory (Tina) Johnson; and her grandchildren, Libby, Gregory, Sarah, Emily, Mary and Matthew.
Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until time of funeral service 11:00 AM Thursday, May 6, 2010 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 1234 N. Arlington Heights Rd. Arlington Heights, IL 60004.
Glueckert Funeral Home
(847) 253-0168
1520 North Arlington Heights Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004