Negaunee – M. Laverne Laramie, age 92, of Negaunee passed away at UP Health System Marquette on June 19, 2021.

Laverne was born to the late Richard and Louise (Denn) Laramie in Ishpeming on July 13, 1928. She attended Ishpeming High School with the class of 1946. Her beloved brother Clarence and his wife June are deceased, and their son Rand and his wife Mary Lou, who she thought the world of, and their children reside in Massachusetts.

Laverne loved to play chess, became a UP Chess Champion, and taught chess to children at the Negaunee Senior Center.  She loved to travel, take day trips, play cards and bingo, but her top interest in life was visiting with her family and friends.  Music and dance were her passion even into her 90's. Figure skating, archery and swimming occupied many years of her life as did shopping.

Laverne is survived by her 2 daughters Renee Johnson who has a lifelong marriage to Steve Johnson and Sherry Aho.  Sherry's husband Kurt Kynell was a retired NMU Criminal Justice Professor and is deceased. Sherry has worked for the Federal Government and teaches Nursing. Steve Johnson retired from the mine after a full career at Cliffs. Renee and Steve have been world travelers and have a passion for dance. They have performed in front of audiences and have been featured on Public TV.  Renee loves horses and like Laverne who had won chess trophies in tournaments, she has won trophies and ribbons in horse competitions.

Laverne is survived by her 3 grandsons: Danny, Kevin, and Greg.

Danny Johnson is retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of service and for the past 10 years he has worked for the Federal Government. His children are Bella, Ethan, Josie, and Marleigh.

Kevin Johnson is a United States Navy Veteran and currently has 25 years working for the State of Michigan. He is married to Wendy Soper who is a Veterinarian.

Greg Miller graduated from NMU, is an author of a published book and has been a world traveler with his wife Kelly who is an artist.  They lived in the jungles of Costa Rica and swam with seals while on their honeymoon in New Zealand.  Kelly Carter Miller's art illustrations can be viewed online at Mad Spider Studio.

Laverne deeply loved her daughters and grandchildren. She spent hours playing chess with them, the game she learned from her brother Clarence and taught to her family. It was her intention to teach her great grandchildren chess during their visit in July. She is also survived by her in-laws Shirley and Reino Lynne and their family who she deeply enjoyed spending time with as well as the Johnson family.

Laverne had a great influence on her family, and she will be deeply missed. Her life was empowering of others. She was optimistic and encouraging as those who knew her will testify. May Laverne Rest in Peace for a life well lived.

Services for Laverne will remain private. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy donations may be made in her name to the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS) at www.upaws.org . Laverne's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where friends and relatives may leave a note of remembrance.