Laverna Kitzinger

Lovingly known as "Tootie" to family and friends, Laverna was born on August 2, 1931, on her grandparents farm on RR1 (Cemetery Road) in Seymour, Wisconsin, to Norman "Butts" and Flora (Hintz) Hartwig in Seymour, Wisconsin. 

Her Grandpa Hartwig couldn't always remember the name Laverna, so he called her "Tootie" when asked by friends what the baby's name was. Laverna still went by "Tootie" or "Aunt Tootie" with family and friends.  

On July 2, 1966, she married Vernon "Tiny" Kitzinger, and they lived in Black Creek enjoying 45 years together. They enjoyed spending time at their cabin on the Oconto River before Vernon passed away on March 12, 2012.

Laverna always liked working with numbers, and after graduating from Seymour High School in 1949, she worked at banks in Black Creek and Oshkosh and at Aid Association for Lutherans in Appleton. For many years she enjoyed working at Murphy Concrete Construction in Appleton.

Faith was a vital part of Laverna's life, and Genesis 15:1 was a favorite Scripture passage. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Black Creek, where she taught Sunday School. She was an active volunteer for the Ladies Aid, serving as president of the organization. She also led the Legion Auxiliary in Black Creek and served on the Black Creek Library board. Her volunteer efforts and community support earned her the title of Black Creek Citizen of the Year.

She is survived by three sisters: Jane Steck, Virgie (Veryle "Red") Sievert, Joyce (Wayne) Heim; sister-in-law, Bonnie Hartwig; nieces and nephews: Gordon (Kris) Steck, Michael (Gloria) Steck, Brian Steck, Laura Steck, Terri (Denis) Dougherty, Leslie (Dan) Voss, Kelly (Tom) Vander Velden, Sam (Rose) Ward, Ted (Jean) Ward, David (Lisa) Ward; friends, other relatives and great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon; brother, Norman "Butts" Jr.; brothers-in-law: Gordon Steck, David Ward, Leslie Kitzinger; and nephew, Keith Ward.

Visitation will take place Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Black Creek at 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM with Pastor Steve Schlicht presiding. Burial will take place at Freedom Lutheran Community Cemetery. 

Laverna was a devoted Packers fan, an advocate of Black Creek businesses, a friend to many in the village, and an avid community supporter. She enjoyed baking and her friends and relatives were always treated to delicious homemade bars, cakes, and chocolate chip cookies. Black Creek will not be the same without her!

The family thanks the staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center and Cherry Meadows Hospice for their care and support. 

We all hope to remain as sharp, energetic, and engaged in life as she was. 

Online condolences may be expressed to Laverna's family at www.muehlboettcher.com