Laverne M. Pientok

 

Laverne Michael Pientok, 93, of Whitehall, died Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Pigeon Falls Health Care Center in Pigeon Falls.

Laverne was born February 21, 1930, in Independence, to Peter and Martha (Bautch) Pientok. He attended Montana Ridge Country School, Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic School and Independence High School.

Laverne entered the military in March of 1951, and attended the U.S. Army Ordnance School in Aberdeen, MD, and the Atlanta Ordnance Training School in Atlanta, GA. He also served in a U.S. Army Ordnance vehicle facility in Leghorn, Italy, in 1952 and 1953.

After his discharge from the military, Laverne joined his father and brother in the family construction business. In 1971, the business acquired Tri-City Sanitation. In 1985, Laverne took over Tri-City until he later sold it to his son, David. In addition to the business operations, he was an avid antique car collector and was often seen cruising around town in one of his vintage Pontiacs. Laverne was well-known for his popcorn, and most notably, his tradition of popcorn ball making during the Holiday Season. He always loved to tell a good story and his sense of humor was contagious. He enjoyed cooking and made sure no one ever went away hungry. Laverne was a kind-hearted person and was willing to lend a helping hand to anyone.

He and Mary Wood were united in marriage, April 18, 1953, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Whitehall. Together they established residency in Whitehall and were the parents of five children: Gary, David, Thomas, LouAnn and Linda.

Laverne is survived by three children and their spouses: David (Laura Tomasko) Pientok, Tom (Christine) Pientok and Linda (Gary) Crawford; eight grandchildren: Scott, Jacob, Anna, Grant, Garrett, Gracie, Michael and Adam; and one great-grandchild, Memphis.

Laverne was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, September 5, 2011; a daughter, LouAnn; a son, Gary; his parents, Peter and Martha Pientok; a sister, Monica Dejno; and a brother, Alfred.

A Mass of Christian burial was held Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Whitehall where Laverne was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the church choir, prior to his nursing home stay. Father George officiated. Burial and military rites were conducted by the Hutchins-Stendahl American Legion Post #191 at Lincoln Cemetery in Whitehall.

Visitation was held at Jack Funeral Home in Whitehall, Monday, April 24, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by a Christian prayer service and parish rosary at 7:30 p.m. Friends could also call one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials to be directed to St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, the Tri-County Therapy Center or the Pientok Family Scholarship Fund.

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