Thief River Falls – LaVerne Douglas Filpula, 91, of rural Thief River Falls,  died on Monday, January 24, 2022 at Sanford Medical Center, Thief River Falls.
LaVerne was born on September 13, 1930 to Arnie and Lydia (Larson) Filpula in Middle River. LaVerne’s father died in a motorcycle accident when he was 2 years old. He attended Oak Grove Country School District 149, in Sanders Township, near his home, until 8th grade. His mother was remarried to Allen Olson, and the family moved to Sanders Twp, rural Thief River Falls. He entered the United States Army, serving in Korea, on November 17, 1951, and was discharged on December 1, 1959.
On October 1, 1955  LaVerne was married to Maxine Laidley at Oak Ridge Lutheran Church, rural Thief River Falls. As adults, LaVerne and Maxine were confirmed and baptized at Oak Ridge Lutheran Church. They moved to a farm in Sanders Twp, rural Thief River Falls, and he worked at Bridgeman’s Dairy delivering milk and working in the plant. He started at Bridgeman’s in 1955 and retired in 1990. During his retirement years, he farmed livestock and did all that goes with caring for cows.
LaVerne was a “Happy Go Lucky,” fun person to be around. He taught his children to respect others, work hard and love each other. He enjoyed a good prank on himself as well as he gave it to others. Deer hunting with family and friends in the fall, fishing in the summer months, especially trips to Canada and Waskish, with family and friends were meaningful to him and the family. Driving around looking at the crops was also a good pastime. Bus trips to Branson and Nashville were adventurous and a lot of fun. LaVerne and Maxine had a wonderful marriage that set an excellent example for their children.
LaVerne is survived by   his wife, Maxine Filpula; children, Eugene Filpula, Renae (Kendall) Jensen, Bonnie (Vernon) Erdmann, Rick Filpula, and Ginger Filpula, all of Thief River Falls; 5 grandchildren, Josh (Angie) Jensen, Aaron Jensen both of Thief River Falls, Ross (Lindsey) Erdmann of Mandan, ND, Lora Filpula and DeAnn (Dave) Errend both of Thief River Falls; great-grandchildren, Gracie and Cora Jensen, Taylor Jensen; siblings, Joyce Olson, Apple Valley, Duane (Janice) Olson, Thief River Falls, Janice Nelson, Thief River Falls, and Gloria (Larry) Haug, Grand Forks, ND; many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnie Filpula, Lydia and Allen Olson; sister, Dorothy (Edwin) Lappegard; brother-in-law, Lloyd Olson, and Leland Nelson.
A funeral service was held  on Friday, January 28, 2022  at Johnson Funeral Chapel, Thief River Falls.
Burial was at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Norden Twp, rural Thief River Falls.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
A00003B2022FB02