LaVerne H. Fraser

LaVerne H. Fraser, 91, of Newman passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at his home surrounded by family.

LaVerne was born on April 30, 1932 in Lyndonville, NY to William and Alma (Nudd) Fraser.  He married Rose Hart on May 29, 1954 in Newman, IL.

He is survived by three children, Anna Bauer, Dawn (Russell Mott) Fraser, and Eric (Tiny) Fraser; 11 grandchildren, Michael Gordon, James (Michele) Minott, Laura (Eric) Shuster, Rachelle Klopfenstein, Debra Minott (Tally Bauer), Stacey (Michael) Means, Jacob (Crystal) Hall, Sarah Denk, Darryl (Niki) Hall, Joshua Fraser, and Heather (Alex) Walker; 26 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; one brother, James (Susan) Fraser; one daughter-in-law, Susan Fraser; and one sister-in-law, Diane Fraser.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Rose Fraser; his parents; son Mark Fraser; infant son Darryl; one granddaughter Amy Gordon; two siblings, Robert Fraser and Mary Babcock; and a son-in-law Bill Bauer.

LaVerne served his country proudly from 1950 to 1954 in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Power.  He would later retire from USI Chemical Company in Tuscola after many years of working there as a supervisor over the chemical operations. 

He served on the Newman City Council from 1971 – 1977, was the mayor of Newman from 1977 – 1981, then served again on city council from 1993 – 2001.  He also was a 68-year member of the Newman American Legion Post #201, Newman Lions Club, and was a member of the First Christian Church in Newman. 

A celebration of LaVerne and Rose’s life's will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at the First Christian Church in Newman; Pastor Justin Smith will be officiating.  Burial will follow in the Newman Cemetery.  

Memorial donations may be made to the Newman First Christian Church or the Newman American Legion.

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