LaVerne Katherine Esch

LaVerne Katherine Esch

LaVerne Katherine Esch, age 96, of Mahtomedi, Minnesota, passed away on August 24, 2026. She was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to William and Katherine (Mollner) Gerdts.

LaVerne was deeply involved in her community and generously volunteered her time throughout the years. She served on the Women's Division of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival Board of Directors in 1969 and 1970 and again from 1989 to 1991. She was a member of the Rice Street Festival Queens Committee from 1990 to 2004, served as a Ramsey County election judge for 14 years, and volunteered with the Minnesota Historical Society from 2007 to 2018.

She was also a member of the North End Improvement Club from 2010 to 2018. LaVerne enjoyed an active and adventurous life. She loved golfing at Cedarholm Golf Course and North Oaks Country Club and bowled three times a week at various lanes, including St. Bernard's, Rose Bowl, Minnehaha, and Stahl House. A true sports enthusiast, she was a devoted fan of the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, and Timberwolves. She especially enjoyed watching Sunday afternoon golf and never missed a Vikings game on television. In addition to all her own hobbies, LaVerne was deeply involved in family life and her children's activities. She was often a chaperon and driver for school field trips. Summers were filled with almost weekly trips to Como Park of amusement rides or picnics. Each year there were multiple trips to take in the State Fair. Despite her active lifestyle, LaVerne still carved out time to be the bookkeeper for the family owned St. Paul Business, Pipeline Oil Company, located on both Como Avenue & on Rice Street.

Traveling with family and friends brought LaVerne great joy. She took many trips to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Mexico, enjoyed visits to local casinos, and especially treasured a "fun trip" to the Bahamas. In later years she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren in Denver, Sanibel Island, and Wisconsin cabins..

LaVerne was well known for her beautiful penmanship and won numerous awards for her handwriting. Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life. She was a member of Saint Bernard's Catholic Church for 28 years, Saint Rose of Lima for 65 years, and most recently Saint Pius X Catholic Parish in White Bear Lake.

Above all, LaVerne was a loving and devoted grandmother who was her grandchildren's biggest supporter. She proudly attended their sporting events, plays, concerts, recitals, and countless other activities. Her enthusiasm for life, dedication to her community, love of family, and many friendships will be deeply missed.

LaVerne is survived by her children, Kathleen (Richard) Donahue, Michael (Kim) Esch, David Esch, and Donna Pennas; brother, William (Kathleen) Gerdts; grandchildren, Molly, Mat, Jason, Jordan, Amanda, and Amy; seven great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; daughter, Karen; brother, Michael; and parents.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Pius X, 3878 Highland Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Luncheon to follow. Burial will take place at Roselawn Cemetery.