Laverna C. Christel, age 98, of Chilton, formerly of New Holstein, passed away peacefully Friday, April 29, 2016, at the Atrium Post-Acute Care Center in Chilton. She was born July 17, 1917, in Potter, Wisconsin to Arthur & Ida (Freuck) Kissinger. She graduated from Hilbert High School in 1935. On October 8, 1938, she married William "Sonny" Christel in Clarks Mills. Laverna and her husband were owners of the former Christel-Ninmer Auto & Implement in New Holstein. Sonny preceded her in death in 1973. Laverna was a member of St. John United Church of Christ in New Holstein where she was actively involved with the Women's Fellowship. Laverna devoted herself to the New Holstein Senior Citizens Club where she volunteered many hours at the Senior Center in New Holstein. She enjoyed gardening, crafts and making homemade candies. She took pride in keeping an immaculate house; anyone that visited her could attest to that. Survivors include her daughter, Sandra (Wayne) Lindsley of Long Lake, WI; four grandchildren, Greg (Maria) Lindsley, Mark (Laureen) Lindsley, Chris (Jenny Fischer) Lindsley and Kurt (Mindy Anderson) Lindsley; seven great-grandchildren, Sammy, Brett, Leaha, Max, Matt, Ruby and Gus; her sister, Leona Popp of Chilton; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, Arthur & Ida Kissinger; her husband, William "Sonny"; a sister, Anita (Elmer) Schwalenberg; two brothers, Norman (Emma) Kissinger and Marvin (Ruth) Kissinger and a brother-in-law, George Popp. Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at St. John United Church of Christ, 2111 Church Street, New Holstein, WI 53061. Rev. James Werner will officiate. Laverna will be laid to rest next to her husband in the Holy Rosary Cemetery in New Holstein. Family and friends may call at St. John United Church of Christ Church on Wednesday, May 4th from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM. For additional information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein (920) 898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net