LaVerne C. Siaka was born on March 14, 1945, in Fort Totten, North Dakota to Thomas and Julia (Little) Siaka. She was raised in Fort Totten and attended schools in Fort Totten, Maddock and Oberon, graduating from Oberon High School. LaVerne graduated from Lake Region Junior College and the University of North Dakota. She worked at various places in the Lake Region including Mercy Hospital, Job Service ND, Four Winds Elementary, Prairie View Elementary, Devils Lake Central and lastly Cankdeska Cikana Community College for 24 years before retiring in 2018.
LaVerne was united in marriage to Larry D. Sullivan on February 5, 1968. They lived in Fort Totten before moving to Saint Michael where they raised their family and lived until her passing.
LaVerne loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandson. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, bird watching, canning, beading, sewing, reading, puzzles, crosswords, watching sports and playing games on her tablet and phone. She especially enjoyed hosting dinners for holidays, birthdays & family events.
LaVerne is survived by her husband Larry Sullivan, Saint Michael; her sons, Tom (Fawn) Sullivan and Tyson Sullivan, Saint Michael; nephew, Whalen (Nicole) Wasacase, Devils Lake; niece, Anita (Dan) Aabrekke, Saint Michael; her grandchildren, Tyler, Lucas, Thomas, Patrice and Wyatt; great-grandson, Ashton, and numerous extended family.
She was preceded in death by her son, Terrell Sullivan; parents, Thomas and Julia Siaka; sisters, Marian Archambault and Alma Nichols; brothers, Paul and Martin Little, nieces, Monique & Nicole Archambault; and nephew, Kevin Ferris.
Active Pallbearers: Mark Bingham, Scott Chase, Lucas Christofferson, Chris McCloud, Mike Rodriguez Jr., Eric Rogness, Anthony Stroklund, and Tyler Skurdall.
Honorary Pallbearers: All LaVerne’s family, friends, neighbors, former students & past co-workers. She cherished so many people throughout her lifetime. It is impossible to remember everyone, and the family would be heartbroken if any were forgotten.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, July 12, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Sunday, July 11, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Time of Remembrance at 6:00 p.m.