LaVerne Dean Schuster

LaVerne Dean Schuster, age 70, passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the Russell Regional Hospital. Born on December 31, 1953, in Hays, Kansas to Frank P. and Mary (Flax) Schuster. LaVerne lived a life marked by hard work and devotion to his family.

LaVerne’s career in agriculture began in May 1985 at United Ag Service in Gorham, where he worked until November 1990 before joining Agco Inc in Russell for seventeen years. He returned to United Ag Service in Gorham, where he continued to work for an additional sixteen years before his retirement in 2021. With a total of thirty-eight years of service, LaVerne was not only a skilled grain elevator operator but also a cherished friend to many in the farming community. He was known for his willingness to go above and beyond, often staying after hours to assist farmers who needed help with their crops.

LaVerne was a proud member of the Ellis High School class of 1972. He was devoted to his Catholic faith, which played a significant role in his life, and he actively participated in parish activities. His commitment extended beyond work, as he cherished hobbies such as woodworking, fishing, and being an active member of the Sunflower Polka Club. One of his most treasured possessions was an antique International 2444 Low Boy tractor, which he purchased in 2019. LaVerne took great joy in restoring it and could often be found driving it around or participating in local parades.

Family was of utmost importance to LaVerne. He shared a special bond with his wife, Barbara Rose (Wiesner), whom he married on September 10, 1977, in Ellis, Kansas. Together, they built a loving family, which includes their sons, Chad Allen Schuster and Bradley Francis Schuster, Galatia, KS, and their daughter, Amanda Marie Jackson, Russell, KS. LaVerne also took immense pride in his grandchildren, Wyatt and Waylon Harmon, and Stephaun Jackson.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; his children, Chad, Bradley (Laura Pacheco), and Amanda (Danneon); his brothers, Verlin (Luella) Schuster, Great Bend, KS, Larry (Mary) Schuster, Holcomb, KS, and David (Karla) Schuster, Ellis, KS; as well as his sisters, Elizabeth Newton, Ellis, KS, and Mary Lou (Keevin) Newcomer, Ogallah, KS.

LaVerne was preceded in death by his parents, Frank P. and Mary Schuster; his brother, Virgil and sister-in-law, Rosalie Schuster; and his brother-in-law, James Newton.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell. Burial will be at 3:00 PM at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Ellis.

Visitation will be Monday, November 11, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a combined parish vigil and 4th degree Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00 PM

Tuesday visitation will begin at 9:30 AM until service time all at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell, Kansas. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell and/or St. Mary’s Cemetery in Ellis.

LaVerne Dean Schuster will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His unwavering dedication to family, friends, and the agricultural community will be remembered fondly by many. Please share memories and words of comfort on LaVerne’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Arrangements in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock’s Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.