Luverna Gossen
September 4, 1931 – December 24, 2023
Luverna was born to John B. and Agnes Hinz on September 4, 1931 at the family mixed farm near Laird, Saskatchewan and lived there until she completed high school.
She became a Christian as a teenager at Redberry Bible Camp. She would later write, “God has sustained me and I am so thankful for the times that Jesus carried me when I could not walk on my own. I claim God as my Saviour and Redeemer and know that He is waiting to welcome me home.” She attended Bethany Bible Institute for one year after graduating from high school.
After that she started secretarial school but got called home to help on the farm before she could graduate.
Luverna married Louis E Gossen on November 28, 1953. They were blessed with three children, Bruce, Bonnie and Cindy.
The family initially lived in Saskatoon, but soon followed Louie’s career as a manager in the Co-op retail system to Melfort, Biggar, Rosetown and eventually back to Saskatoon. Luverna was a stay-at-home wife who managed the household while her husband worked hard and moved his career forward. She was also active in the church, playing piano for Sunday services and occasionally bringing her two oldest children (Bruce and Bonnie) along to sing. That comfortable life all changed when, at the age of 38, Louie suffered his first major heart attack, with a second one following 5 months later. Although he struggled to get back to work, Luverna was forced to become the main breadwinner for her family over many years, while still managing the household. Those were hard years, which eventually took a severe toll on her health. However, Luverna was a survivor. After Louie passed in 1984, Luverna made new friends and developed new interests (although she still played piano, organ and accordion). She took up many different forms of dancing and fell in love with all of them, joining many dance clubs and serving on the executive. These communities became a meaningful part of her life. She made several trips to Hawaii and continued to maintain a home with a large vegetable garden and beautiful flower borders. She even took up watching football to cheer on her grandsons, who were always stars in her eyes.
In her later years, she found a warmth and calm that drew her even closer to her family. We began to experience a new side of mom – a sweeter, more gentle mom who was so appreciative of any help or kind gesture directed to her. Caring for her was an honour and a privilege.
Mom passed away on Christmas Eve with her family by her side and spent Christmas Day in heaven.
She is survived by her loving children Bruce (Susan), Bonnie (Connie Mahlberg), and Cindy (Steve) Braun; brother Harold (Marjorie) Hinz, grandsons Curtis (Saunja), Travis (Cora), Chad (Angela) and Jared Braun, great grandchildren Jaxon, Elijah, Averie and Harvey, and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Louis; parents John and Agnes Hinz, brother Lenard and his wife Marlene, sister Rosella and husband Pete Teichroeb, niece Sylvia, great nieces Chantell Barns and Amanda Sawatzky.
We would like to thank the community of residents, their caregivers and the staff at Central Haven for the kindness and love shown to mom in her short time there.
A family service will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., at Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, SK.
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE LUVERNA GOSSEN
(A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above.)
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
2 Comments
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mom Cindy (and Steve). As you know, we lost our mom only 2 days later. I do have fond memories of your mom. I didn’t see her often but I do recall seeing her years ago in the mall or at church and she would always have a smile and a kind, albeit soft spoken hello for me.
Bonnie, Cindy, Bruce, and your families,
Thank you so much for sharing the service for your Mom, and my Aunty Luverna, with us who weren’t able to be there in person. It was truly a celebration of her life, and the love between all of your family was so evident. I loved the heartfelt messages from her kids and grandchildren, and the songs from the boys were SO special! I just know she loved that! I have many fond memories of our visits with your family growing up, and although we’ve all changed a lot over the years, your pictures took me right back to all those times. I was so inspired to make extra effort to make sure that my own grandchildren know exactly how much I love them, like your Mom did. So now that time moves on as it always does, and you’re all sifting through your own memories, know that we are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers. With much love, from your cousins, Valerie & Don
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