LaVera Grimstad 

LaVera Christine Grimstad (Modine) of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 17 at the age of 91. 

She was born in 1934 in Dent, Minnesota, to Della Modine Satter and William Modine. She was a caring, kind, and loving woman who was the life of the family, bringing warmth and joy to those around her. Her family was the center of her life, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She married Jack Grimstad in 1954, and they shared 64 years of marriage until his passing in 2018. Together, they raised two children, Kim and Scott. 

She dedicated much of her life to caring for others through her nursing career. She was a member of the first graduating class of VoTech and went on to work as a nurse at Mayo Clinic for 23 years, where she received the Karis Award. Following her retirement from Mayo Clinic, she continued her passion for caring for others as a school nurse with the Rochester Public School District. After retirement, she and her husband, Jack, lived in Brownsville, Texas, before returning to Minnesota to be closer to family. 

Vera is survived by her two children, Kim (Steve) Weidenbacher and Scott (Lee Ann) Grimstad; brothers Doug (Mary) Modine and Carl Modine; six grandchildren, Shawn (Roxy) Hanf, Travis (Shannon) Hanf, Brandon (Nicole) Hanf, Nicole (Nick) Hagen, Garrett (Cydney) Grimstad, and Marissa (Pat) Grimstad; 13 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Grimstad; her parents William and Della; her sister, Beth Ann; sister-in-law Beverly; and sister-in-law Leona. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to The Waters for the kindness, care, and compassion they provided to her during her time there. A special thank you is also extended to Seasons Hospice for their support and care of both her and her family during her final days.

Services will be held Wednesday, September 23, at 11:00 a.m. in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, Minnesota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Breakthrough T1D here.