Obituary of LaVerne Brown

LaVerne S. "Bitz" Brown Age 89, Saturday morning, November 9, 2013 at his home in the arms of his loving wife, Dottie. Born in Joliet, April 19, 1924. Preceded in death by parents, Seward and Florence (Wilhelmi) Brown; brother, Wayne Brown; mother and father-in-law, Frank and Rose Maxwell; sister-in-law, Lorraine Bily; brother-in-law. Frank Maxwell; and niece, Marybeth Dopudja. Survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Dorothy Maxwell Brown; sisters-in-law, Joan (Laverne "Chip" deceased) Vollmer and Betty Maxwell; brother-in-law, James (Mary) Bily; nephews, James (Emi) Brown, Jim (Linda) Bily, Tim (Nadine) Bily, Mike (Christy) Bily, Patrick (Julie) Bily, Mark (Jan) Maxwell and Michael (Janine) Vollmer; nieces, Candy (Mike) Wagner, Cindy (Jeff) Bily, Marcia Maxwell, Sharon (Jack) Tweedle and Susan (John) Reed; numerous cousins, great nieces and nephews; faithful cousin, Marlene Walker; and many dear friends. "Bitz" was a graduate of Joliet Township High School Class of 1942, Northwestern University, and was awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of St. Francis. He proudly served with the United States Navy during World War II. With his good friend, Paul Lambrecht, he founded Brown & Lambrecht Earthmovers. He served as a Director of Amerifed Savings, Trustee of the Operating Engineers Pension Fund, Trustee Emeritus of the University of St. Francis, and a member of Lewis University President's Council, Joliet Rotary, Joliet Country Club and Old Marsh Golf Club. He was also an Associate of the Joliet Franciscans. He was the recipient of many civic and charitable awards for dedicated service and thoughtful generosity, and will be remembered as a skilled pilot, world traveler, avid sportsman and enthusiastic card player. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. John the Baptist Church, Joliet Area Community Hospice, University of St. Francis, Lewis University, Silver Cross Foundation, Presence St. Joseph Foundation, Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, Sisters of St. Francis of the Sacred Heart, Providence Catholic High School, or Joliet Catholic Academy would be appreciated. Funeral Services for LaVerne Brown will be Thursday November 14, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 404 N. Hickory Street, Joliet where a Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am., with the Most Rev. Joseph L. Imesch, presiding. Entombment will be in Resurrection Mausoleum, Romeoville, IL. Visitation Wednesday 3:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.