LaVerne Wellhouse-Kok Obituary

LaVerne Wellhouse-Kok, age 88, passed away on July 25, 2025 at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac. 

LaVerne was born on January 21, 1937 in the small town of Metomen, the daughter of Garret and Lucy Grotenhuis Hopp. LaVerne's life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family and community. On August 23, 1963 she married Wallace "Bud" Wellhouse with a ceremony held at the Alto Reformed church parsonage. Together, they created a home in Brandon where they lived their entire lives. LaVerne was a remarkable woman who demonstrated strength and resilience, living independently in her home for 60 years. Following the passing of her beloved husband, Wallace, in 1990, she found love again and met Harvey Kok, whom she held dear until his passing in 2012. LaVerne dedicated 11 years of her life to the Ideal Shoe Factory in Waupun and spent an impressive 35 years working at the Grand Vista Apartments in Brandon. Additionally, she was known for her willingness to lend a hand, often cleaning houses for families in the area.

LaVerne held a special place in her heart for the Bethel Reformed Church in Brandon, where she was actively involved as a member of the Ladies' Guild and the Funeral Lunch Committee. Her commitment to her church community extended to her passionate participation in Bible Study, reflecting her deep faith and love for God. Family was the center of LaVerne’s world. 

LaVerne is survived by her three daughters: Wanda (Calvin) Tjepkema, Beverly (Dee) Sampson, and Ann (Dan) Kastein; ten grandchildren: Brittany (Josh) Schroeder, Katie (Dan) Flick, Tyler Tjepkema, Brianna (Matt) Gutzeit, Dakota (friend, Gabby) and Dustin Sampson, Matthew (Morgan) Kastein, and Michael (friend, Aleicia), Mitchell, and Mallory Kastein; nine great-grandchildren: Harper, Fowler, Finnley, Huxley, and Merrick Schroeder, Maggie and Blaire Flick, Journey Tjepkema, Miles Gutzeit, and one on the way; her brother, Reuben (Betty) Hopp; her sister, Grace (Jack) Brown;  sisters-in-law, Annette Hopp and Jan Wellhouse; alongside numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Wallace Wellhouse and Harvey Kok; along with her sister, Bernice (Maynard) Navis; her brothers: Howard Hopp, Jerome (Mary) Hopp, and Donald Hopp; and an infant son, Eugene.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 11 am at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun. Burial will follow at Brandon Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday at the funeral home from 9am until the time of service.