LaVerne Luptak

Mass of Christian burial for LaVerne Luptak, 83, of Dickinson, formerly of Belfield, ND will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Belfield, ND with Father Bill Ruelle celebrating. Burial will follow in the St. Bernard’s Cemetery.


Visitation for LaVerne will be 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 1, 2017 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson with a rosary and vigil service being held at 6:00 p.m.


LaVerne passed away Friday, April 28, 2017 at CHI St. Alexius Health, Dickinson.


LaVerne “Toots” Smith was born January 26, 1934 in Sheffield, ND the daughter of Peter and Magdalene (Billman) Smith. She attended Grand Meadow School in Belfield. Growing up, she lived south of Belfield with her parents and helped several neighbors after school.  On April 15, 1952, LaVerne and Albert Luptak were united in marriage at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Belfield. Together, they moved to a farm north of Belfield where they raised their children and farmed for the next twenty five years. After Albert’s death in 1972, LaVerne then moved to Dickinson and began working as a waitress for the next twenty five years until her retirement.


LaVerne was an extremely hard worker which left a great example for her family.  Her faith was very important to her; especially praying the rosary in adoration of the Virgin Mary.  LaVerne enjoyed reading, dancing in her younger years, gardening, crocheting, hand quilting and knitting.  Spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great joy. LaVerne loved caring for her fancy chickens.  She enjoyed traveling, especially memorable trips to Hawaii and Germany. She was very patriotic and proud of the Red White and Blue.  LaVerne was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and the Christian Mothers.  She spent time volunteering at St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Salvation Army and was a member of RSVP for over 20 years.


LaVerne is survived by her children, Mary Ann Gabbert of Dickinson, Rita (Peter) Huschka, of Williston, Marla (Fran) Knaup of Spearfish, SD, and Steve Luptak, of Dickinson; six grandchildren, Jamie Huschka, Jeremy Huschka, Melissa Hovland, Melodie Knaup, Michael Knaup, and Jacob Luptak; seven great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert Smith of Livingston, MT,  LeRoy “Bud” (Delores)Smith of Belfield, Mary (Pete) Kuntz of New Rockford, and Janice (Louie) Schlosser of Bismarck.


LaVerne is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Albert; brother, Carl “Buster” Smith; sister, Georgian Pedeliski; and great-granddaughter, Addei Marie (Novak) Knaup.


Burial Date: May 2, 2017
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND
Church St. Bernard's Catholic Church

Mass of Christian Burial:  10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 2, 2017 , St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Belfield
Rosary & Vigil Service:  6:00 p.m.,  Monday, May 1, 2017, Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson