LaVina Grace Kuiper was the youngest of three children, born June 19, 1934, to Elmer and Nora (Hirsch) Peterson, in Dunlap, Iowa.

LaVina became involved in the 1st Church of the Nazarene, where she sang in the choir and met Leonard. They were married June 5, 1959, in Des Moines, Iowa. They lived in the Des Moines area, and moved to Norwalk, Iowa, in 1970 where they raised their three children. The family loved celebrating holidays together, playing games, and doing puzzles.

LaVina enjoyed collecting recipes and cookbooks and was known for baking delicious cinnamon rolls and pies. She was also a talented seamstress and worked for JoAnn's Fabrics in Des Moines. LaVina was often found sitting at the table doing crosswords or coloring.  Her family will fondly remember her love of wearing "blingy" hats.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who loved her.

LaVina is survived by her children, Sheryl "Sherry" Cozad, Sheila (John) Mohler, and John (Elizabeth "Beth") Kuiper; grandchildren, Crissy (Josh McCoy) Cozad, Heidi (Charles) Lynn, Danielle (Kelly) Dinville, James (Diana) Mohler, Tim Cozad, Drew Mohler, TeriAnna  Mohler, Elizabeth "Libby" Mohler, Mackenzie (Lucas) Ketterman, Michele (Brett) Buchanan; 10 great-grandchildren; and brother Joseph (Beverly) Peterson.

She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard, her parents Elmer and Nora Peterson, parents-in-law Ralph and Hattie Kuiper, son-in-law Derek Cozad, sister Emilie Mase, and Leonard's sister Tena (Robert) Frederick.

New Hope Assembly of God Church
Urbandale IA