LaVerne Daniel DuCharme
LaVerne Daniel DuCharme, 78, a lifelong resident of Eastman, died peacefully surrounded by family Jan. 30, after a brief battle with cancer.
He was born Sept. 25, 1938, on DuCharme Ridge in rural Eastman to Ruth and Frank DuCharme. LaVerne was the oldest of six siblings, Laurayne Duerkop, of La Crosse, Marilyn Kinder, of Boscobel, Jim (Connie) DuCharme, of Janesville, Debora (Rick) McCarthy, of Wauzeka, and Dale DuCharme, of Clayton.
After attending Prairie du Chien High School, LaVerne served in the U.S. Army for three years. He married Velda June Hollenberger on June 20, 1959, and enjoyed 57 years of marriage. They were blessed with three children, 12 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Lynn (Marvin) O’Kane, of Prairie du Chien, with their children Dustin, Tyler, Megan, and Kylee along with great grandchild Zoe; Daniel (Stacy) DuCharme, of Hudson, with their children Deven (Nick) Rinta, Brett, Dena, Bryce, Brennan and Braden; and John (Erin) DuCharme, of Waunakee, with their children Shea and Weston.
He worked as a carpenter and cabinet builder his entire life as well as raising beef cattle and hogs. As an avid player and sports fan, he loved playing fast pitch softball for Slama’s Bar, and later in life coaching numerous youth fast pitch softball teams. Some of his highlights were coaching the 1989 and 1993 Team USA Jr. Men’s Fastpitch teams when they participated in New Zealand and Canada. LaVerne was very proud that there was a DuCharme representing Team USA in five different world events over four decades. He loved going to Prairie du Chien High School sporting events and youth sports. If one of his grand children was playing, it was a sure thing he and June would be on the road. The trip was perfect if he could find a Texas Hold’em game along the way.
There will be a celebration of LaVerne’s life at The Blackhawk in Prairie du Chien on Thursday, Feb. 9, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served. There will be a time of remembrance at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please support the Eastman Community Club or Prairie du Chien High School Athletics. LaVerne and his family wish to thank Crossing Rivers Hospice for the loving care provided. Online condolences can be made at www.866allfaiths.com.
