Current Services

LaVerne Thielman
10-01-2026

LaVerne Thielman, 99, passed away on October 1, 2026. He was born on June 1, 1927, near Garretson, SD, to Ludvig (Louie) and Stella (Sande) Thielman. His father died when LaVerne was nine years old, a loss that shaped his deep sense of responsibility and resilience.

A dedicated worker throughout his life, LaVerne helped area farmers until 1952, when he moved to Sioux Falls and began a 36-year career in the trucking industry at American Freight.

On November 18, 1961, LaVerne married the love of his life, Elnora Arend, at Christ the King Church. After retiring in 1988, he joined Elnora at Saint Michael Cemetery, a role that allowed him to continue doing what he loved - working hard and being outdoors. LaVerne and Elnora also enjoyed spending ten winters together in Texas.

LaVerne took great pride in caring for his yard, and enjoyed camping, playing cards, and sharing daily coffee with his special friends at Active Generations. He treasured time spent with his daughter, his grandchildren, and Bob Zwart, who was a meaningful part of his later years.

He was blessed with wonderful neighbors during the 56 years he lived in his home and was proud to have remained living there independently until his passing. He will be remembered for his quick wit, quiet presence and the thoughtful way that he listened.

Grateful for having shared his life are his daughter: Amy Bourne; his grandchildren: Nicholas and Emily Bourne; his sister: June Munkvold; his brother-in-law: Eldon Christoferson; his special friends: The Schumacher Family; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; his three sisters, Carol Peterson, Arla Horn, and Marilyn Christoferson; his brother, Delbert Thielman; his brothers-in-law, Dennis Peterson, Richard Munkvold, Ronald Horn, and Leo Arend; and his sisters-in-law, Viola Cox, Josephine Bong, Roseann Namanny, and Mary Katherine Larson.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 4, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be Monday, October 5, 10:30 AM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home.