LaVerne M. Kooken (nee Kamholz)
LaVerne M. Kooken (nee Kamholz) passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Sheldon T. Kooken. Devoted mother of Sharon, Cynthia (Michael) Weis and the late Jeffrey T. Kooken. Loving grandmother of Mark Weis and Kyle (Tara) Weis. Great grandmother of Graham Weis. Dear sister of Wayne (Arlene) Kamholz and the late Audrey (Floyd) Honsinger and Ronald Kamholz. Sister-in-law of Mary Kamholz and Carl J. (late Irene Kooken). LaVerne is also survived by nieces, nephews and friends.
A visitation will take place at the Dietrich Funeral Homes, Inc. 2480 Kensington Avenue Amherst NY 14226 on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 from 4:00 -7:00 pm.
LaVerne’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 19th at 9:30 am in Infant of Prague Church, 921 Cleveland Drive, Cheektowaga, New York 14225. Please assemble at the church. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be directed to Infant of Prague Church where LaVerne was a Eucharist Minister and dedicated much of her time. She was active in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, and she coached girls softball in Cheektowaga. Online condolences may be shared at www. thedietrichfuneralhome.com.
MRs. Kooken will be greatly missed. Our family has known the Kooken family for 50years and Mrs. KOoken was always a ray of sunshine. She will be in our prayers as well as the rest of the family. May her soul rest in peace.
LaVerne was a beautiful soul whose life reflected her deep faith and love for others. Her devotion to her family, church, and friends were a true testament to the way she lived – guided by compassion, generosity, and grace. She touched so many lives through her kindness and her joyful spirit – including ours.
I pray that God welcomes LaVerne into His eternal peace and that she is now reunited with those who have gone before her. May the promise of everlasting life bring comfort and hope to all who mourn her loss.
Our hearts and prayers are with Sharon and her entire family during this difficult time. May God surround all of you with His love, grant you strength, and bring you peace in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy, prayers, and love,
Rebecca & Becky
So sorry for your loss. Laverne was a beautiful person. I know she is happy in heaven now. Much love, Love, Renee
May the angels welcome you into heaven. Rest peacefully!
Sharon and family- We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to know her throughout all these years. I appreciate the years of support through the different life events we all shared together.
So sorry to hear of Laverne’s passing. A lovely lady who ,along with your father, were wonderful neighbors to our aunt and uncle Edith and Frank Scalisi. Always a pleasure to see with her beautiful smile and gracious way. Peace and prayers be with them and your families.
I am looking for where Jeff is buried. I was his roommate and best friend when he was in Syracuse. I still have the picture of Jeff your Mom sent me, after he passed, when he went to Syracuse with his German Shepard. I know it been a long long time ago but when I’m in WNY yearly I would love to visit him. My other roomate, Robert Velez, was with him in the accident and survived to 2009. If you have the Cemetery name I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you. My condolences regarding your Moms passing.
Thankyou for being a great friend to my mother for many years.
YOU WILL BE MISSED