LaVerne “Verne” Lense (nee Olson), 96, of Aurora, formerly of St. Charles,at rest April 27, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Howard: loving sister of the late Blanche (the late Stuart) Potter and June (the late Rudy); devoted Aunt of Jacque Bieber, Paul (Kathy) Bieber, Jane (Andrew) Trasowech, Leonard (Goldie) Lense and Beth (Sal) Lema; great aunt of many. Verne graduated from Downers Grove Community High School in 1944. She went on to become an operator at AT&T and worked there until she took an early retirement at the age of 55. Verne and Howard lived in Downers Grove before moving to New York City, when Howard, a pharmacist with Burroughs Wellcome (GlaxoSmithKline), was transferred there. Their homesickness brought them back to Illinois after their short stay in New York, much to the delight of their family. Verne and Howie both loved animals: dogs, squirrels, birds, you name it. Their dogs Putter and Lilly were dear to their hearts. She loved her Mustang cars almost as much as she loved her dogs.

She was a longtime parishioner at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in St. Charles and was very well connected in her Aurora neighborhood. Verne was a people person. She was positive, vibrant and had a good sense of humor. Above all, she was well loved and very attentive to her nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be held on June 17th with visitation at 1:00 PM, followed by a 2 PM service at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 101 S. 6th Ave., St.Charles, IL 60174.  In lieu of flowers memorials in LaVerne’s name may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Arrangements entrusted to Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Info 630-852-8000.