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LaVerne Emily (Drummond) Knecht went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 22, 2022, leaving behind a legacy of love. LaVerne was born to Earl L. Drummond and Jennie Louella Ruhe December 6, 1919, in Lyons, Nebraska. Born and raised on a farm, LaVerne helped care for her younger brothers and sisters until she married William McKenzie in 1936. William and LaVerne moved to Blair where she worked at J.M McDonalds Department Store, managing the women’s clothing department. After William’s passing, LaVerne married Carl Edward Knecht on June 17th, 1967.

Most known for her love of music and piano playing, LaVerne played piano for Sunday School, sang in the church choir, and continued to play piano for fun well into her 90’s. Her family also fondly remembers LaVerne for her incredible baking skills, beautiful landscape paintings, steadfast love for Jesus, and for being tiny yet mighty—living to 102 years young.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers: Harold, Eldon, Donald and Harry; and two sisters: Elaine Konecky and Ethel Gagini.

LaVerne is survived by her three children: Ronald A McKenzie and his wife Kathleen, Dennis L McKenzie, and Rae Janean Olney: eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM on February 2, 2022 at First United Methodist Church, 1656 Colfax St., Blair to celebrate LaVerne's life.

Burial: Blair Cemetery

#2 Funeral leaflet

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In Loving Memory of LaVerne Emily Knecht

Born December 6, 1916 Oakland, Nebraska ~ Entered Into Rest January 22, 2022 Omaha, Nebraska

Funeral Service 10:30 am Wednesday, February 2, 2022 First United Methodist Church. Officiating: Pastor Gina Gile. Organist: Clare Cowing. Musical Selections: "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", "How Great Thou Art", "Amazing Grace", "God Will Take Care Of You", "When We All Get To Heaven".

Graveside Service: Blair Cemetery, Blair, Nebraska.

~~~Obituary and funeral leaflet courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings and leaflets on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library ~~~