LaVerne Bauer, 93, of Big Rapids died September 7, 2011. She was born on July 29, 1918 in Chicago, Illinois, and moved as a child with her family to Detroit, Michigan where she graduated from Visitation High School. After receiving her R.N. from Providence School of Nursing, she served as a staff nurse at Providence and Henry Ford Hospitals. She was also a Red Cross nurse and Naval reserve nurse during World War II receiving an honorable discharge when she married Dr. Benedict Bauer on February 14, 1942. Together they made their home in Detroit, raising eight children before moving to Big Rapids. LaVerne returned to nursing briefly before venturing on a new career in real estate with Big Bear Land Management, Inc., ultimately becoming a licensed real estate appraiser with Big Bear Appraisal Services where she worked until retiring at the age of 87. Wherever she lived, LaVerne was active in her community, generously contributing her time and expertise. While in Detroit, she was President of Our Lady of Providence League, a charter member of the Providence Hospital Foundation, and active in the Michigan Association of Hospital Auxiliaries. She was honored for her volunteer services at Carmel Hall, a senior citizen home in Detroit, and was named an honorary life member of the Providence Hospital Advisory Board. In Big Rapids, LaVerne had been a member of the Big Rapids Plan Board and the Housing Maintenance Board of Appeals. As well as, being active in the Mecosta County Council for the Arts and the Mecosta County Hospital Auxiliary. With a dual career in nursing and real estate, LaVerne was affiliated with the Michigan State Nurses Association as well as the Michigan Association of Real Estate Appraisers. In her spare time, she enjoyed bridge, golf, bowling and had a green thumb when it came to her beautiful violets. Preceding her in death were her husband of 45 years, Dr. Benedict J. Bauer, and her son, John Bauer of California. She is survived by five daughters, Barbara (Thomas) Brown of Detroit, Elizabeth (Michael) Hicks of Massachusetts, Judith Goodwin of California, Kathryn (Richard) Turcotte of Lansing, and Patricia (Todd) Bunce of Big Rapids; two sons, Benedict J. (Cynthia) Bauer of Redford and Michael (Margaret) Bauer of Florida and Cheryl Alston, daughter-in-law of California; 15 grandsons, 14 granddaughters, 18 great grandsons and 7 great granddaughters; several nieces and nephews and their families as well as many special friends. The family will greet friends from 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with a scripture service at 7:30 p.m. that evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 2:00 P.M on Sunday, September 11, 2011at St. Paul's Catholic Campus Parish in Big Rapids. Interment will be 12:00 p.m. (Noon) at Holy Sepulchre in Southfield on Monday, September 12, 2011. Memorial donations in LaVerne's name can be made to: Hope for Haiti-Sacred Heart Church, Hospice of Michigan or Riley-MacKenzie Fund.