LaVera Cuvelier

LaVera June Cuvelier was born in Kesley, Iowa, to Harm and Mary (Brinkman) Uhlenhopp on June 24,1928. She attended schools in Clarksville, Kesley, and Aplington, Iowa.
 On June 28, 1945, LaVera married Leland (Abe) Cuvelier. She was in fellowship with the Hitesville Assembly for over 72 years.
LaVera was an excellent cook. She always had goodies ready to serve when people dropped by. She made holidays, vacations, and everyday events extra special. LaVera loved her family unconditionally and was always there to listen, encourage, or lend a helping hand to family and friends. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially the pets she had throughout her life and all the others she knew.
LaVera put her artistic talent to work when in 1972 she attended classes in Denver, Colorado, to become a florist and open her own flower shop. When a fire destroyed their home, LaVera designed their new one. She also enjoyed oil painting and giving away her creations.
During their 67 year marriage LaVera and Abe made memories on camping trips around the country with their family, traveling to Australia three times, visiting New Zealand, Alaska and Hawaii, and spending winters in Texas to be close to their grandchildren.
LaVera died at Maple Manor in Aplington on October 17, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother Darwin Dale, husband Abe, and sisters Aleasa Kampman, LaVon Diekman, and Shirley Graham.
LaVera is survived by daughter Colette (Tod) Ubben of Aplington, son Steve (Ping Lee) Cuvelier of Houston, Texas, foreign exchange student daughter Julie Stephenson Ward (John) of Sale, Victoria, Australia, grandchildren Candice (Giacomo Ghezzi) Cuvelier of Zurich, Switzerland, Christopher Cuvelier of Huntsville, Texas, Cassandra Cuvelier of Huntsville, Texas, Peter (Penny) Marshall of Mt. Martha, Victoria, Australia, and Jeremy Niu of Hong Kong, great-grandchildren Bradley and Kate Marshall, Mt. Martha, Victoria, Australia, in-laws Donna Sokolik of Hampton, Dorothy and Don Harmon of Anamosa, Carol Koenen of Hampton, Craig and Jean Cuvelier of Vail, Arizona, Dolores Cuvelier of Lawler, Ruth Cuvelier of Dumont, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m., on Friday, October 22, 2021, at Hitesville Gospel Hall in rural Aplington. Mr. Bruce Uhlenhopp officiated the service. Colette Ubben and Steve Cuvelier shared memories of their mother. The congregation sang “Only A Sinner”, “Jesus Paid It All” and “Face to Face”. Burial was held at Hitesville Cemetery in rural Aplington with Terrill Diekman, Tom Christopherson, Jeff Williams, Larry Asche, Dallas Kluiter and Wes Swieter serving as Casketbearers.
Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, at the Redman Funeral & Cremation Services – Aplington Chapel in Aplington, and one hour before services at the Hitesville Gospel Hall. Memorials may be directed to the family. Redman Funeral & Cremation Services – Aplington Chapel were in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com