STEELEVILLE – Lavera M. nee Hornbostel Biermann, 91, of Sparta, formerly of Steeleville, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at Cedarhurst Assisted Living of Sparta.

Lavera was born on May 19, 1928 to Elmer and Alma nee Oetking Hornbostel in Campbell Hill. She was baptized on June 3, 1928 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, West Point, by Rev. Karl J. H. Strasburg, and confirmed April 6, 1941 at Peace Lutheran Church, Steeleville, by Rev. Walter E. Kaitschuk. Lavera married Ralph Ferd Biermann on November 16, 1946 at Peace Lutheran Church, Steeleville. Ralph preceded her in death on November 15, 2015.

In her younger years, Lavera worked at the Steeleville Shoe Factory, the Randolph County Locker Plant, and as a cook at several restaurants, all in Steeleville. She is a faithful member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Steeleville, and a past member of the American Legion Post 480 Auxiliary.

Survivors include two daughters; Connie Kirkland and Donna (Steve) Eaton, of Sparta, and one son; Danny (Regenna) Biermann, of Marion, one sister; Ruby (Earl) Ernsting, of Percy, three sisters-in-law; Evelyn Vogel, of Ava, Lucille (Harold) Vanhoy, of Red Bud, and Shirley Hornbostel, of Percy, 11 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 12 great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister; Viola Koch, and one brother; Omer Hornbostel.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Monday, January 6, 2020 at the St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Steeleville with Rev. Sean R. Smith officiating, burial will follow at the Paradise Cemetery, Steeleville. Visitation will be held on Sunday evening at the Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville where friends may call from 5 to 8 PM, and then on Monday from 7:30 to 9 and from 10 to 11 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers the family wishes that Christ's love continue to be spread through memorials to the St. Mark's Lutheran Church, St. Mark's Lutheran School, or Vitas Hospice.