Funeral Notice: LaVerne Coghill

LaVerne N. Coghill, of Jordan (formerly of New Prague) passed away June 6, 2019 at the age of 90. Mass of Christian Burial is Thursday, June 13, 2019 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (313 East Second Street) in Jordan. LaVerne will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan.

On April 24, 1929, LaVerne Natalie Picha was born to parents Arthur & Emma (Sticha) Picha. LaVerne was the oldest of three and grew up in New Prague. She attended St. Wenceslaus School. LaVerne began playing the flute at a very young age, and she played the rest of her life.

As a young woman, LaVerne met the love of her life, Jesse Coghill. They exchanged wedding vows on August 5, 1950. They settled on Jesse’s family farm to raise their family. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Bruce, Sheila & Mark.

LaVerne was a “city girl” at heart, but she enjoyed living on the farm. She was a wonderful homemaker, but didn’t get too involved with farming. LaVerne was an excellent cook, and she always made sure her family and the neighbors were well fed. She made delicious hotdishes and had many signature Bohemian recipes she made.

Although she was a homemaker for most of her life, LaVerne did work outside the home for a few years. She was a Nurse’s Aide at Valley View and Queen of Peace Hospital. She was a natural caretaker and brightened the day of her patients.

In her free time, LaVerne loved playing the flute, singing in the church choir and painting. LaVerne was a talented artist, and her landscapes look like they were professionally painted. She also enjoyed gardening and always kept beautiful gardens at the farm. Jesse & LaVerne took many road trips throughout the United States. She also traveled to the England and Ireland to learn more about her heritage. LaVerne was a lover of cats, and a cute little kitty could always put a smile on her face.

When LaVerne moved to the Belle Plaine Lutheran Home, she quickly became a beloved resident and received wonderful care from the entire staff. She was a caring woman with a big heart. LaVerne will always be remembered for her feisty spirit.

LaVerne is loved and remembered by her husband of 69 years, Jesse Coghill; children, Bruce (Doris Plocher) Coghill, Sheila (Thomas) Tamaro and Mark Coghill.

LaVerne was greeted in Heaven by her parents, Arthur & Emma Picha; brothers, Vernen (Iris) Picha and Virgil (Ona) Picha and daughter-in-law, Sheryl Coghill.