LaVerne was one of 4 children. She was born Oct. 22, 1929, in Sublette, IL, the daughter of Bernard and Marie (Sibigtroth) Stenzel.
LaVerne graduated in the class of 1947 from Amboy High School. She married the love of her life, LeRoy Klein, on Feb. 3, 1951. Together they celebrated 67 joyful years of marriage and raised 10 children, Steven (Catherine) Klein of Sublette, Linda (Robert) Cheeseman of Ashton, Gerald (Linda) Klein of Sublette, Edward (Chris) Klein of Sublette, Richard (Teri) Klein of Amboy, Douglas (Colleen) Klein of Sublette, Carol (Michael) Elam of LeRoy, Judith (Robert) Harvatin of Allen, TX, Ronald (Angie) Klein of Oregon, and Pamela (Chris) Fieweger of Warrenville. They have 32 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
LaVerne was a faithful, vibrant wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a long-time member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church of Maytown, where she served in the Altar and Rosary Society. She was a member of the Maytown sewing group, making dresses and shorts for children abroad. She loved the outdoors and being in her garden. Everyone who knew LaVerne learned how to be a better person by her endless compassion, warm smile, and gentle words. She exemplified Christian values and unconditional love.
LaVerne is preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy Klein, and her siblings Roland, Mary Jean (Burke), and Harold.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at 1336 Maytown Road, Amboy, IL, with the Rev. Randy Fronek officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in East Maytown. Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 PM on Sunday, Sept. 20, and from 9 to 10 AM on Monday, Sept. 21, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Maytown. The rosary will be recited at the end of the visitation on Sunday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Maytown or the Sublette Volunteer Fire Department.
