LaVerne M. Rolbiecki, age 93, of New Holstein, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Thursday, December 7, 2017. LaVerne Pukenis was born April 8, 1924, in Milwaukee to Justin & Vera (Miszewski) Pukenis. She graduated from St. Stanislaus High School in Milwaukee in 1942 and attended University of WI, Green Bay. On August 17, 1943, she married John Rolbiecki at St. Hedwig's Catholic Church; he preceded her in death on March 8, 1988. LaVerne was employed with the New Holstein Library for 22 years; retiring in 1992. She served as a director at the library for 12 years. She was very proud of being a Certified Laubach Literacy Instructor. Laverne loved reading, and enjoyed most reading to children. LaVerne served as an Alderperson on the New Holstein City Council for four years and served six years as New Holstein's first female mayor. Some of LaVerne's civic accomplishments include, recipient of New Holstein Jaycees Outstanding Woman Award in 1982, first recipient of Wisconsin Library Association's Muriel Fuller Award, named Distinguished Person of the Year by New Holstein Chamber of Commerce in 2016, received an award in 2001 from WPPI for "outstanding contributions to the electrical industry", and received an award in 2002 from the Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin; the Douglas La Follette Award for public officials. LaVerne served on the board of directors of New Holstein Chamber of Commerce, the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, and was chair of the legislative committee of the League. LaVerne's local notoriety was her column, "Bits and Pieces" that would be found in the local Tri-County News. Her proudest joy was the accomplishments of her eight children. She was a member of Holy Rosary Parish and New Holstein Kiwanis. She received a Hixson Award from the New Holstein Kiwanis in 2009. Survivors include her son, John Rolbiecki (Cynthia), of Kiel; her six daughters, Cheryl Ann Zaborsky, of Milwaukee, Nanci Kay Geiser-Nichols (David), of Reedsville, WI, Jill Marie (Scott) Rady, of Osceo, WI, M. Wendy Jo Rolbiecki, of New Holstein, Mari Beth (Steve) Bowser, of Sheboygan, WI, and Kristi Ann Skrinska (Christi), of Green Bay, WI; 14 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; her brother, Kenneth Pukenis, of Culleoka, TN; sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Rolbiecki, of Waco, TX and Edith Koehn, of Markesan, WI; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, Justin & Vera Pukenis; her husband, John; a daughter, Sue Sherman; a son-in-law, Larry Zaborsky; a brother, William Pukenis; and two sisters-in-law, Bernice Pukenis and Marcia Rolbiecki. A Liturgy of the Word will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at Sippel Funeral Home, 2618, Altona Avenue, New Holstein, WI 53061. Holy Rosary Parish Director, Joe Zenk, will preside. LaVerne will be laid to rest next to her husband, John, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee. Visitation: Family and friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, December 12th at Sippel Funeral Home from 2:00 PM until 5:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in LaVerne's name. For additional information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein, (920) 898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net.