Mildred “LaVerne” Kamphaus, 87, of Burwell passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2024; at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell, Nebraska.
Mildred’s wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 6, 2024; at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Burwell. Pastor Alan Petersen will officiate. She will be laid to rest in the Cottonwood Cemetery at Burwell, Nebraska. The family will greet friends on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Still Waters Funeral Parlor. Memorials are suggested to the Burwell Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Community Memorial Health Center or First Congregational United Church of Christ. Still Waters Funeral Parlor is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.ordmemorialchapel.com
Mildred LaVerne was born May 22, 1936, in Rural Holt County, Nebraska to Thompson “Hank” and Helen (Kaiser) Whitcomb. She received her early education in rural schools and attended high school in Amelia and Burwell; graduating in 1954.
Following high school LaVerne taught school; and continued her education during the summer months at Chadron State College and Dana Teachers College in Blair. She taught school for 10 years.
On June 3, 1961, LaVerne was united in marriage to John Kampahus at Amelia, Nebraska. The family lived on ranches near Bartlett and Burwell; and settled on the family ranch for 41 years. LaVerne and John moved into Burwell in 2010.
LaVerne was a farmer’s wife and spent many hours in the hayfields and milking cows. She worked at the Burwell Legion Club for many years; where they had their own, “LaVerne and Shirley”. LaVerne will be remembered by her delicious potato salad, bread; and popcorn balls during Halloween.
She was a member of the Pleasant View Extension Club where she held many positions. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, knitting, crocheting and sewing.
Survivors include a daughter, Sherry Kamphaus Smith of Shelton, Washington; two sons and daughters-in-law, Richard and Theresa Kamphaus of Fort Collins, Colorado and William and Marlene Kamphaus of Ord; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one expectant great-grandchild; a sister, Beverly Predmore of Apple Valley, Utah; and a brother, William Whitcomb of Kearney.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John who passed away in 2013; a brother, Harold Whitcomb; and brother-in-law, Johnny Lee Predmore.
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