Laverne Herman Klitzke (Vern), a devoted husband, father, and friend, peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He reached the venerable age of 89.

Born on July 24, 1936, to Herman and Doris (Westcott) Klitzke in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, Vern was one of six children. After graduating high school in Whitewater, Wisconsin, Vern enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served as a jet mechanic.

In 1973, Vern met Rose (Tiffany) Cooper and they were married on July 20, 1979. For the next 47 years, Vern and Rose built a life together in Milton, Wisconsin and moved to Iowa in 2021 to be closer to family as Vern’s health began to decline.

Vern’s loving spirit will be deeply missed by those who survive him. He leaves behind his wife, Rose; his daughter, Robin Pauley of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin; three stepdaughters, Cherl Cooper of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Betty (Patrick) Crow of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Chris Cooper of Key Largo, Florida; a stepson, Cory (Mary) Cooper of Clinton, Wisconsin; and a sister, Karen (Tom) Schoenbeck of Elkhorn, Wisconsin. His legacy continues through his eight grandchildren and his great grandson. Laverne also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews, who cherished his warm-hearted presence.

He joins in eternal rest, his parents, one brother, Donald Klitzke, and three sisters, Arlein Steinmetz, Dolores Klitzke, and Betty Langhoff, all of whom he remembered fondly.

A private family service will honor Vern’s life, marked by love, laughter, and the unyielding bonds of family.