LaVerne Julia Begelsbacher Huning came dancing into this world March 6, 1923. Half of the original LaVerne and Shirley, LaVerne was preceded in death by parents Frederich and Hildegard, sister Shirley, children Robert and Barbara, grandson Brian, and nephew Eric. She is survived by grandchildren Jennifer, Jessica and Kelly, and nieces Vicky, Debbie and Sandy, and many great/great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
LaVerne remembered walking down the street with her mother in 1927, with Hildegard screaming that it was the end of the world. A gentleman corrected her, noting that it was “just” a tornado. LaVerne feared few things in life, but after that tornado, thunderstorms were at the top of her list.
A talented dancer and gymnast, LaVerne won a spot to perform in Washington DC her last year of high-school. Once there, she climbed between Lincoln’s feet for a picture at his memorial, and then sat on the banks of the Potomac, crying and homesick. Her love of family surpassed all else until her death on July 12, 2025.
LaVerne worked at the Begels Buffet – one of four taverns her father owned. She wanted more independence, but her father couldn’t bear the thought of how young women were treated in the workplace and insisted his daughters would be better off at the family tavern. Since LaVerne and Shirley met the loves of their lives at the tavern, it seems that father knew best.
LaVerne married Edgar Rudy in 1944. By the end of the decade, she was raising Robert and Barbara alone while Ed was deployed in the Korean War. Upon his return the family relocated to Springfield MO, for several years.
Never able to sit still, LaVerne took up work as a dental assistant. Upon her divorce from Ed, LaVerne settled again in St. Louis. In 1964 she married her soul-mate, Carl Huning. Carl, a regular at the Begels Buffet, was a lifelong friend who adored LaVerne completely.
LaVerne and Carl lived blissfully together for the rest of their days. Their home was a magical place, full of laughter, liquor and Asian decor. They entertained constantly – once even hosting a radio broadcast from their pool.
Their holiday parties were legendary, as were LaVerne’s mashed potatoes. LaVerne started holiday decorating in October – a full-sized Christmas tree in each room. Carl left the Christmas lights up until Easter, just to tick her off.
Their grandchildren were everything to them. LaVerne took each one on their own day-long shopping excursion each year for their birthdays. She taught them the magic of Ban de Soleil skin scream for sunburns during the many vacations they brought them along on in Gulf Shores, Alabama. She also showed them the right way to use the middle finger when they made her mad.
Carl called her “Me” and gave her everything she ever wanted. LaVerne would bet against him on Cardinals games – the loser in charge of bartending for the following week.
LaVerne lost Carl in 2012 and even though everyone wondered if she could go on, she taught herself to drive again – at 90 – and kept living life to its fullest for another decade.
LaVerne taught all who knew her to live life to its fullest and to love your family above all else. Just when we thought she would live forever, she slipped away to tell Carl it was his turn to make drinks. She will be remembered and treasured always.
SERVICES: Visitation will be held at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL (10151 Gravois Rd., 63123) on Thursday, July 17, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Funeral Mass on Friday July 18, 10:00 AM at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church (4900 Ringer Rd., 63129). Entombment at Sunset Mausoleum.