LaVerne “Mike” Gagnon, 90, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away Tuesday night (May 29, 2012) at the Skilled Nursing Facility of Ministry Door County Medical Center with family by her side.

She was born June 16, 1921 in Green Bay, the daughter of the late Michael and Julia (Stroobants) VanDerel. Mike graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1939. She worked as a nurse’s aide for Door County Memorial Hospital for 19 years. Mike had also worked for Bunda’s Department Store, Martin’s Café, Larsen’s Lunch, and Peterson’s Grill in Sturgeon Bay. On May 6, 1943 she married Lawrence Larsen in Medford, Oregon. He preceded her in death in 1981. During time spent in Oregon during Lawrence’s military service, Mike was employed as a civilian with the military. She was a large cargo and transport truck operator. Mike also had operated and drove military tanks.

She married Joseph Gagnon in 1984. They traveled together and enjoyed playing cards with friends, especially Bridge. He preceded her in death on November 17, 1994.

Mike was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, its Christian Mothers and always willing to step in and lend a hand where needed. She was a long time volunteer with the Hospital Auxiliary. She was a diehard card player and bridge club participant. Mike loved to garden, and travel with Joe and her friends and family. Her family and friends meant everything to her.

Survivors include her three daughters, Greer Moore of Green Bay, Julie (George) Pinney of Sturgeon Bay, Lori (Brian) Holtz of Sturgeon Bay; four grandchildren, Tanner (Claire) Pinney of Holland, Michigan, Benjamin (Amy) Pinney of Juneau, Alaska, Burke “B.J.” Pinney of Madison, Holly (Patrick Spaulding) Haines of Maui, Hawaii; two great-grandchildren, Brooks Pinney and Silas Pinney; two step children, Steve Gagnon of Las Vegas, Chris (Ken) Davis of Phoenix, Arizona; and three step grandchildren, Tracy Gagnon, Alison and Ryan Davis.

Preceding her in death were her parents; a sister Corrine and an infant brother Alvin; two husbands, Lawrence Larsen, and Joseph Gagnon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday (June 4, 2012) at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay with Fr. Anthony Birdsall officiating. Burial will be made at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m.

Memorials may be made in her memory to St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Historical Village at Crossroads, and the Door County YMCA.

Family and friends are welcome to sign the online guestbook and offer condolences on “Mike’s” tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Pine Crest Village, and the Skilled Nursing Facility of Ministry Door County Medical Center, for their kind and compassionate care of Mike in her last year.