Richard B. Crosby and LaVerne M. Crosby

Richard (Dick) B. Crosby, formerly of Clarksville and Charles City, IA, was born the son of Burr and Ruth (Wells) Crosby on Aug. 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 and St. Louis, MO, was born the daughter of Frank and Elsie Novak on July 30, 1936 in St. Louis, MO. LaVerne died on Sunday, Nov. 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 Feb. 16, 1971, Dick and LaVerne were united in marriage in St. Louis, Missouri. They made their home in St. Louis for two years and in 1973, they moved to Charles City, Iowa. Dick and 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 and organizations in Charles City. She was a homemaker and did the bookkeeping for Dick when he was on the road.

Dick and 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 and 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 and LaVerne could be found in Clarksville almost every Sunday visiting with family and enjoying afternoon refreshments. Dick and 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 and 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 and 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 and nephews, Brandt and Leyton Reints and Peighton and 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 11 a.m. at the Lynwood Cemetery in Clarksville where Dick and 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.