Laverne Palecek (nee Illerbrun) was born in Gull Lake Saskatchewan on September 8th, 1928. On October 1st she passed away peacefully with loved ones by her side. Laverne was the 2nd eldest of 7 children, losing her only sister as an infant and her mother when she was only 12. Mom lived in a home on the farm with 5 brothers which toughened her up; she was a great ball player and played daily while attending Thring School; she also won the best female athlete in track and field not only in her 12 and under division but also in the senior girl’s division the same year. Mom worked as a waitress in Gull Lake while she completed her high school and graduating with her grade 12 diploma. She worked as a telephone operator after she graduated then eventually transferring to Swift Current to work, where she met Lloyd Palecek through her cousin at the dance hall nick named, Bucket of Blood. She married Lloyd on August 20th, 1952 at Sacred Heart Church in Swift Current. After they bought their first home, mom took in boarders to help with finances, and because she lost her mother at a young age, she wanted to give to someone in need, so she took in Dona, a young teenage girl who needed a home; Dona is still a big part of our family. Laverne and Lloyd started a business opening Pacific 66 in the mid-60s, selling Suzuki Motorcycles, and eventually taking on the Volkswagen dealership. They opened the Suzuki Fun Center in 1975 then leaving Pacific 66 behind and changing their business name to Palecek Motors. They were lucky enough to be sent to Japan for #3 in Suzuki sales in all of Canada, they also went to Germany for Volkswagen conferences. Mom went to work in the kitchen at the Swift Current Union Hospital for several years before she retired in 1993. Mom was a member of the CWL receiving a 35-year pin in 2022. Before they started their business Mom enjoyed bowling and square dancing; they were members of the legion and would go dancing there and anywhere they could as they loved to dance. She was devoted to her family; her Grandchildren and Greatgrandchildren knew her as Granny as well as everyone in the school community. When she would pick the grandkids up at school, all the kids knew who she was, flocking to her to say “hi Granny”, when she arrived. Mom was always there to help in any activity we were involved in. After Mom met Bryan, she enjoyed reading and travelling; together they spent time in Texas with her brother Jerry, and Yuma with her brother Jack. They did many trips across the US border around Great Falls and Havre visiting various casinos then off to shop with the winnings, as mom loved shopping and was always looking for a bargain. They also did lots of trips to Kenosee to visit Bryan’s family. Mom loved to swim and going to the Spa in Moose Jaw was one of her favourite things, because the water was so warm. Mom also earned her yellow belt in Taekwondo movement in 2022 while living at the Meadows. Mom had the soul of an angel; she will be lovingly remembered for her giving heart, her infectious smile, and her witty humor that she kept up until her last hours.
Mom was survived by: Companion; Bryan McInnes, children; son, Ron (Joanne) Palecek, Daughters, Carol (Lee) Gates, Sandra Boutin (Roman Malina), Laurie Cobler (Stephen Guenther), Daughter-in-law; Nancy Palecek, 12 Grandchildren Mark (Rosie) Palecek, Alicia (Coty) Smith, Janice (Chad) Ewen, Bret (Megan) Boutin, Erin (Cam) Werner, Kerry (Tracy) Hunter, Britany (Steve) Rudge, Jesse (Calli) Hunter, Kelsey (Joel) Streifel, Michael Cobler, Lonnie Hunter, Christopher Palecek, 18 greatgrandchildren, 1 brother Jack (Marylin) Illerbrun, Foster Daughter Dona Lee, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by: Parents James and Annie Illerbrun, Husband Lloyd Palecek, Son Larry Palecek, brothers William (Marjorie) Illerbrun, Robert (Anne) Illerbrun, Donald (Marjorie) Illerbrun, Jerry (Vivian) Illerbrun, Sister Bernadette Illerbrun, and Brother-in-law Ken (Geneva) Palecek.
Prayers will be taking place on Friday October 13, 2023 at 7:30 pm from Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church.
Please join us in celebrating her life on Saturday October 14th, 2023 at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church at 10:30am.
In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Anthony’s Cemetery and Heritage Fund, (Illerbrun Church), Box 1240, Shauanvon, SK S0N 2M0.
Arrangement's entrusted to Warren's Funeral Home, for further information please call(306) 773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.