Richard (Dick) B Crosby & LaVerne M (Novak) Crosby

Richard (Dick) B Crosby formerly of Clarksville & Charles City, IA, was born the son of Burr & Ruth (Wells) Crosby on August 30, 1929, at their home in Clarksville, IA.  Dick died on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, peacefully at his home in Charles City, IA at the age of 84.  

LaVerne M (Novak) Crosby formerly of Charles City, IA & St Louis, MO, was born the daughter of Frank & Elsie Novak on July 30, 1936 in St Louis, MO.  LaVerne died on Sunday, November 26, 2023, peacefully at her home in St Louis, MO, at the age of 87.

Dick graduated from Clarksville High School. He then attended Gates Business School in Waterloo, Iowa, for two years where he received a business degree.  LaVerne graduated from Xavier All-Girls High School in St Louis.

On February 16, 1971, Dick and LaVerne were united in marriage in St. Louis, Missouri. They made their home in St Louis for 2 years and in 1973, they moved to Charles City, Iowa.  Dick & LaVerne were married for 43 years at the time of Dick’s passing.

Dick was in the Marine Corps from 1951 to 1953, where he served in Korea. He was a member of the American Legion.  Dick was a traveling salesman most of his career.  LaVerne belonged to many clubs & organizations in Charles City.  She was a homemaker and did the bookkeeping for Dick when he was on the road.

Dick & LaVerne were members of Immaculate Conception Church in Charles City. LaVerne was most recently a member of Mary Mother of the Church in St Louis.  Dick & LaVerne loved to travel and had been to many places around the world.  Dick was an avid reader, especially non-fiction.  LaVerne could be found outside tending to her beautiful flower gardens.  Dick was known as a kind and generous man.  LaVerne was also very kind and loved to help others.  Family was very important to the couple.  Dick & LaVerne could be found in Clarksville almost every Sunday visiting with family and enjoying afternoon refreshments.  Dick & LaVerne spent a lot of time babysitting and entertaining great-great nephews, Brandt and Leyton Reints when they were young.  

LaVerne moved back to St Louis, Missouri in 2015 where she spent much of her time with her children and her sister, Jeanette and her family.  She loved to help her great-great-nephew, Mark with his boutique during the Christmas season.  She also enjoyed traveling to Florida and the Lake of the Ozarks with her sister and her family.

Dick & LaVerne are preceded in death by their parents; LaVerne’s son, Steven Stecher; LaVerne’s sister, Jerri Novak; Dick’s sister, June Ann Ackerman; Dick’s brother-in-law, Ray Ackerman; LaVerne’s brother-in-law, Vince Comparato; Dick’s Special Aunt, June Wells; niece Pamela Ackerman-Tiedt; great-nephew Joe Hinders; and great-nephew, Aaron Miller.

They are survived by LaVerne’s children, Donna (Phil) Coleman of St. Louis, MO & Mark Stecher of     Imperial, MO; niece, Mary (Marlin) Hinders of Clarksville; niece, Sandra (Donald) Miller of Waverly; great-niece, Jessi (Tim) Reints; great-niece, Amber Miller; great-great-niece & nephews, Brandt & Leyton Reints and Peighton & Bolton Grantham all of Clarksville;  LaVerne’s sister, Jeanette Comparato of St Louis, MO; as well as many nieces and nephews in the St Louis area.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 20 at 11am at the Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville where Dick & LaVerne’s remains will be committed.  Pastor Jim Brown of Immanuel United Church of Christ, Clarksville will be officiating.  A meal will be served at Doc’s Tap in Clarksville following the service.