LaVerne Louise (Knudsen) Tolsma
LaVerne Tolsma Obituary
La Verne (Knudsen)Tolsma, 88, of Valley City, Ohio passed away on April 19, 2024 after a brief illness.
La Verne was born during a winter storm on January 14, 1936 in a midwife’s cabin in Radisson, Wisconsin. Her parents, Norman and Louise (Kleppe) Knudsen later moved La Verne and her younger siblings to Strongsville where Norman could continue in the lumber trade. La Verne graduated from Strongsville High School and worked for several banks in Cleveland, moving up to executive secretary at Society for Savings Bank, Cleveland.
In 1963, she met traveling salesman Mel Tolsma. After a brief courtship, they married and retuned to Mel’s home town in Little Falls/Wayne, New Jersey. It was there that La Verne’s true career as a wife, homemaker, mother and community member was elevated to an art form.
La Verne attended conventions with Mel, helped him entertain customers in New York City restaurants and learned to hostess lavish cocktail and dinner parties at their swanky 1960s home. Mel and La Verne’s two daughters, Anne (Christopher) Murphy and Kimberly (Joseph) Grieco (both of Valley City), were always included.
In 1974, La Verne and her family moved to Valley City so her daughters could grow up in a small town near her family. After restoring an 1861 farm house, starting a large garden, and loading the barns with chickens, ponies, cows and a random goat or two, La Verne found her niche in the Valley City Historical Society.
La Verne spent 50 years in the Society, holding the role of President for 40+ years and later as a Director. It was her belief that every event should be regarded as a party – complete with specific dishware, hors d’oerves, decorations and costumes to match the occasion.
During Mel’s time as Valley City trustee, La Verne also entered Medina County politics. They hosted political fundraisers at their home, becoming good friends with many. La Verne served for many years on the planning committee for the Medina County Commissioner’s Ball and was a council member for the Office of Older Adults.
La Verne’s greatest joy was being Grammy - cooking, gardening, reading and caring for her cherished grandchildren Madison, Spencer and Lily Murphy.
La Verne’s warmth, compassion, grace and an ever-present smile will be missed by all. Affectionately nick-named “The First Lady of Valley City”, La Verne leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness.
La Verne was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings Lyle Knudsen, Darlene Kotalac and Shirley (Hill) Rush. She is survived by her sister Marilyn Dieckman and brother Ronald Knudsen, her children & sons-in-law, and grandchildren.
A public gathering will be held at Coppertop Golf Club, 5440 Center Road, Valley City on Friday, May 17 from 4:00-6:00 pm. A private service and Celebration of Life (La Verne style) will follow for family and close friends.
In lieu of flowers, La Verne has requested donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of her husband, Mel. The Bauer Funeral Home, Valley City has the honor of serving the Tolsma family.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of LaVerne Louise (Knudsen) Tolsma, please visit our Tree Store.
