LaVerne David Bachinski, 92, from Manistee passed away in his sleep March 18, 2023 at The Grand assisted living facility in Dublin, Ohio to be in the loving arms of God, and to join his beloved wife, Dorothy, in heaven.

LaVerne was born January 2, 1931 in Manistee, the son of the late Joseph and Beatrice (Lass) Bachinski. His brother, Joseph, also preceded him in death, a casualty of World War II in Moerdijk, Holland.

He was a graduate of Manistee High School class of 1948. He had been class President both Sophomore and Senior years. He enjoyed every opportunity that he had to meet with his classmates for their reunions. LaVerne continued his formal education at Michigan State University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in residential building in 1954.

LaVerne held executive positions in the building and real estate development industry for over 50 years before retiring to care for his wife. Starting with homes he built in Manistee he went on to oversee the building of thousands of both single and multi-family homes in Kansas and throughout Ohio.

LaVerne married Dorothy Knudstrup at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manistee on July 5, 1952. She preceded him in death on November 16, 2008 after 56 years of marriage. He was a wonderful husband and father with a great sense of mischievous humor. His family knew he would do anything for them. He is survived by his four children: Pamela (Kent) Hetzell of Georgetown, KY and their children Brett (Ali) and Sean (Rebecca) Hetzell, KY, Serenity (Logan) Hyman, LA; Thomas (Julia) Bachinski of Louisville, CO and their children David and Michael (Kaley) Bachinski, CO; Steven Bachinski of Delaware, OH and his children Cody and Khyl Bachinski, OH; Gary (Lisa) Bachinski of Columbus, OH and their children Kendall and Garrin Bachinski, OH. In addition, he now has eight great grandchildren.

LaVerne was a member of St Joseph Catholic Church of Manistee where he had also served as an usher and as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is a life member (71 years) of B.P.O. Elks Lodge #250 and had belonged to several civic groups including the Kiwanis and past president of the Manistee Jaycees. He was involved in the Boy Scouts with his sons and had a love for exploring the outdoors, especially fascinated with all types of trees. He greatly enjoyed anything with family, including hiking, hunting, jeeping and camping. He was a drummer in a local dance band in the 40s and early 50s playing throughout Manistee County.

However, marriage and a baby girl changed that.

The family will be at the Herbert Funeral Home to receive friends on Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.  The family will be at Herbert Funeral Home on Friday, April 21, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. when they will proceed to St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Manistee for the 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Fr. Zeljko Guberovic, celebrant.

Interment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee. Following interment, the family asks that friends join them for a luncheon at the Parish Center at St. Joseph Church.

The family is grateful for and appreciates all the kind expressions of sympathy we have received.  Anyone who wishes to send a flower arrangement, please contact Stacey's Flowers, located in Manistee, directly at phone # 231-398-7673 or staceysflowers.com In lieu of flowers, we know LaVerne would've been so happy to have contributions go towards the planting of trees in his memory.  To do so, please visit herbertfh.com then select "send flowers" and the option to plant a tree or trees will be shown.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.