La Verne F. Papich (nee Bocian), age 93 of Portage passed away Friday, September 15, 2023.  She was born on June 20, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Walter and Francis Bocian.  On January 3, 1953 she married Alvin John Papich who preceded her in death in 2016.  La Verne was a Portage resident for over 53 years.  She had worked in various Catholic churches in the diocese of Gary.  La Verne was a longtime member of Nativity of Our Savior Church.

She is survived by three children, Teresa Marie Salcich of The Woodlands, TX; David Gerard Papich of Portage, IN; Paula Jean (Beth) Papich of La Fontaine, IN.

She was preceded in death by her son, Gregory Alan Papich, and three siblings, Ronald, Conrad, and Shirley Bocian.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 10 a.m. directly at Nativity of Our Savior Church, 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage, IN with Rev. Kevin McCarthy officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Evergreen Park, Illinois.  Visitation is Tuesday, September 19, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage. (219) 762-3013.