LaVerne C Mangold
LaVerne Mangold Obituary
LaVerne C. “Sis” (Takala) Mangold, 92 passed away peacefully on September 30, 2023 surrounded by family.
There was never a stranger that entered the Mangold home. Hospitality came naturally. The coffee pot was always full. Homemade baked goods or a hot meal awaited you. LaVerne was known for her pies, Finn bread, potato salad, fried chicken and roast beef dinners. The word got out quickly with the locals when they moved from Great Falls to the farm on the Fairfield Bench in 1974, even the local highway patrolman and sheriff stopped by regularly for lunch.
Born at home on August 15, 1931 in Sand Coulee, Montana to Frank and Fanny (Luoma) Takala, she was one of six children. As a child, Sis loved spending time with her siblings and cousins. Overnight and weekend family gatherings were common. After graduating from Simms High School in 1949, she attended the College of Great Falls. Mom then worked at Deaconess Hospital in Great Falls on the surgical unit. During retirement, she sampled at Buttrey’s seeing familiar faces, as well as making new friends.
She was introduced to Leon Mangold on a blind date and they married on November 16, 1952. Our mom was a devoted wife to Leon for 62 years. LaVerne loved spending time teaching her four children about what’s important in life; kindness, giving back and doing the right thing. Sometimes we learned the hard way! Mom enjoyed Bridge Club with friends and playing Pinochle with family. When her daughters were young, she taught Brownies, Girl Scouts, and Sunday school. For years, our mom and dad took us kids to Sun River Canyon to the family cabin and later to Sun Canyon Lodge. It was one of her favorite places.
She dearly loved her grandkids and was actively involved in their lives whether babysitting, hosting slumber parties at the farm, baking, gardening, or attending their school events. Holidays at the Mangold house were filled with good food, lots of family, neighbors and yes, people with no place to go. You could always count on our mom to cook for a neighbor in need, church events, weddings, funerals, social events, and hosting family and friend gatherings. Mom loved flowers and planted glorious, colorful gardens around the farm. Hundreds of canned goods lined her kitchen counters from summer to fall including fresh jams and jellies, fruits and veggies. Trays of homemade cookies at Christmas were generously given out to family, neighbors and friends. Her generation didn’t have much but she always reached out and took care of others.
LaVerne moved to Grandview Assisted Living and eventually to Eastview as her health care needs changed. She was a known fashionista evidenced by her stylish décor and inviting studio apartment. Our mom made a point to dress up every day even on days when she didn’t feel well as she felt that how you look dictates how you feel.
LaVerne is survived by three daughters-Marla Embody (Doug), Lori Ann Bushly (Mike) and Shelley Oksness (Bob); 8 grandchildren-Zach, Jessica, Ryan B., Shane, Brooke, Britney, Lindsey (Ryan S.), Meggan; 8 great-grandchildren-Nathan, Elizabeth, Lilian, Rafe, Avery, Cash, Taylor and Hopelyn; Brother Larry Takala (Jacqie); Sister-in-laws JoAnn Mangold and Penny Takala. She was proceeded in death by her husband (Leon), son (Dennis), parents (Frank and Fanny), sister (Delores Chevalier) and brothers (Bob, Gabe, Russel).
Our heartfelt thanks to the Eastview staff and residents for their kindness, and to Dr. Stacy Kingsland and staff for years of impeccable care and Peace Hospice for supporting our family.
To those I may have wronged, I ask forgiveness
To those I may have helped, I wish I did more
To those I neglected to help, I ask for understanding
To those who helped me, I sincerely thank you so much…
Chris Lehmann
Services to be held at Croxford Funeral Home in Great Falls, MT on October 28, 2023 at 11 AM. Live streaming available through Croxford if unable to attend.
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