LaVerne Gums

LaVerne Helen Gums, 73, Bismarck passed away peacefully April 3, 2018, surrounded by family members at CHI St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck. She fought a brief and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer since November of last year. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 9, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 609 North 34th Street, Bismarck, with Pastor Perry Schnabel officiating. Burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 8, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. LaVerne Helen Pfeifer was born January 16, 1945, in Harvey, ND, to Andrew and Frieda (Berg) Pfeifer of Goodrich, ND. Raised on the Pfeifer family farm, she graduated from Goodrich High School in 1963. She attended Aaker’s Business College in Grand Forks, ND. On July 12, 1964, she married Elmer Gums of Napoleon, ND, at the Church of God in Goodrich. They lived briefly in Hardin, Montana, before moving to Bismarck in 1965 where they made their permanent residence. She worked as a recap clerk for 19 years at Labelle’s, later called Best. As a tribute to her farm raised work ethic, she worked there for the store’s entire existence! She retired only when the store was liquidated. Her husband Elmer retired that same year and the two of them spent the next three years enjoying retirement together until his death on November 14, 2000. After Elmer’s passing, LaVerne kept busy helping care for her two granddaughters, which were her pride and joy. She enjoyed the company of others at numerous coffee groups, social gatherings and church functions. She will be remembered for her smile, sense of humor, true friendship and strong faith. She is survived by her two children, son, Todd (Judy) Gums, daughter, Jodi (Tom) Vadnais and their two children; her granddaughters, Sarah and Lisa; one sister, Marlene (Wilferd) Felchle; one brother, Charles (Betty) Pfeifer; as well as numerous sisters and brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband Elmer. Words cannot begin to describe the intense feeling of loss and pain at this time. Her family and friends will miss her and grieve her loss. We loved her dearly and she will live forever in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org.