LaVerne Whelan

LaVerne Whelan, 94, of Topeka, Kansas died August 31, 2016 at Kelly House.

She was born in Hoyt, Kansas, on November 27, 1921, the daughter of Harry Hansel and Eva (Stevens) Frazier.

LaVerne attended Hoyt High School where she was a basketball star and also graduated in 1939.  She graduated from Stricklers Business College.

LaVerne worked in the Title Insurance business for 29 years, retiring as Vice President of Lawyer’s Title of Topeka, Inc.  She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  LaVerne was a huge sports fan and especially enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals, K-State Wildcats, and attended all her grandson's sporting events.  She was also involved in community and church activities.  LaVerne was a member of the Oakland Methodist Church, IBEW #226 Auxiliary, Women’s Council of Realtors, and the Echo Chapter of the  American Business Women’s Association where she was selected as “Woman of the Year” in 1976.

LaVerne married James Leo Whelan on January 18, 1946 in Topeka, Kansas.  James died June 2, 2002.

She is survived by her children, Jim (Marilee) Whelan and Janet Patrick) Finan, grandchildren, Ryan (Jessica) Finan, and T. J. (Therese) Finan, step grandchildren, Tiffany (Kleith) Harris, Kristin (James) Garcia, great grandchildren, Peighton, Stella, McKinley and Cecelia Finan, and step great grandchildren, Emma, Andrew and Nathan Harris, and Andrea Garcia.  LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Melvin Frazier, twin brother Lovelle Frazier, sister Anna Mae Hinkle and daughter-in-law Margie Whelan.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, September 6th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be Wednesday at 10:00 AM at the funeral home.  Interment will follow at the Hoyt Cemetery in Hoyt, Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to Oakland United Methodist Church sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 S.W. 6th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66603.

Online condolences and fond memories may be made at www.brennanmathenafh.com.