Laverne Catherine Wilhelm

LaVerne Catherine Dirnberger Wilhelm

With hearts full of gratitude for a life beautifully lived, our beloved matriarch, LaVerne Catherine Dirnberger Wilhelm, 99, peacefully entered into her eternal home with the Lord on Saturday, June 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Her unwavering faith gives us comfort in knowing that she is now at peace in the presence of God who she faithfully served throughout her life.

On February 17, 1927, LaVerne was born to Michael and Coletta LeGrand Dirnberger on the family farm just outside of New Hamburg, Missouri. On September 3, 1949, she married the love of her life, Frank Wilhelm, beginning a beautiful marriage rooted in faith, hard work, and devotion to family. Frank proceeded her in death on April 3, 1989.

Raised on a farm, LaVerne developed a work ethic that never wavered. She believed in rolling up her sleeves and getting the job done, a lesson she carried with her for nearly a century. In fact, she was still mowing her own lawn well into her 90s, proving that determination and grit had no age limit.

At the center of LaVerne’s life was her steadfast Catholic faith. She rarely missed Saturday evening Mass, faithfully prayed the Rosary every day, and was often found quietly holding her rosary beads in prayer. Her relationship with God shaped the way she lived, loved, and served others, providing a constant example of grace and devotion for her family.

Though small in stature, LaVerne had a larger-than-life spirit. She was a spitfire with a quick wit, a strong will, and an unwavering commitment to standing up for what she believed was right. She loved deeply, laughed often, and welcomed everyone into her home with open arms. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she fiercely loved her family and wholeheartedly believed her grandchildren could do no wrong. She was their biggest champion, proud of every accomplishment and always ready to share in their joys.

In her younger years, LaVerne worked at Ely-Walker, where she met her future husband, Frank. After raising their family and caring for countless children as a daycare provider, she began a career at Security Bank and Trust, where she faithfully worked for 40 years, retiring at the remarkable age of 85.

LaVerne was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City for 77 years, and a member of the Council of Catholic Women.

LaVerne is lovingly survived by her five children: Diann Wilhelm of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; John Wilhelm of Scott City, Missouri; Jean Sneed of Scott City, Missouri; Mary Ann (Donnie) Kiefer of Chaffee, Missouri; and Debbie (Greg) Phillips of Scott City, Missouri.

She also leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren: James (Kari) Wilhelm, Jason (Molly) Wilhelm, Justin (Teresa) Wilhelm, Tara (Darren) Lincoln, Morgan (Blaine) Swinford, Mallory (Jeremey) Dohogne, Ashton (Dane) Balsmann, and Madelyn (Rylan) Dunivan.

Her legacy continues through her 20 beloved great-grandchildren: Emma, Drake, Griffin, Ellie, Elise, Ember, Connor, Audrey, Ana, Addison, Hudson, Adam, Henry, Liza, London, Lennon, Maxwell, Baylor, Beau, and Kinsley, with Karter expected to arrive soon. She was also joyfully anticipating the arrival of her first great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Wilhelm; her parents, Michael and Coletta Dirnberger; and her siblings, Leoma Dirnberger, Bernice Jansen and Cornelius Dirnberger.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate LaVerne’s extraordinary life on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. with Father Tomasz Piotr Wilk officiating.

Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Joseph Catholic Church.

For all who knew her, LaVerne will be remembered as a woman of enduring faith, unmatched determination, and unconditional love—a woman whose hands were rarely still, whose Rosary was never far away, and whose heart always had room for one more hug, one more prayer, and one more grandchild. While she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the hope that she has been welcomed into her heavenly home and reunited with those who have gone before her.