LaVerl Harry Wilhelm

LaVerl Harry Wilhelm, 83, passed away, Monday, October 6, 2025. He was born March 26, 1942 in St. Johns, Arizona, the son of Bateman Harry Wilhelm and Ora Lavelle Heap.

From a young age he found great joy in raising animals; including rabbits, steers, chickens, turkeys and geese. He loved school, playing football and singing in the choir. He loved horses and spending time riding in his beloved White Mountains.

LaVerl had a deep and abiding love of learning. He earned several degrees from Arizona State University including a B.A. in English Education with a minor in Chemistry and his M.Ed. in Counseling. He earned his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Counseling from Brigham Young University. He was never happier than when he was studying or teaching.

Of all the subjects he explored, none meant more to him than the gospel of Jesus Christ which he studied with great devotion.

He diligently served a two year mission in Brazil and cherished those memories throughout his life. He never passed up an opportunity to share his testimony with others. Even to the end he requested to have his scriptures near his side.

He loved his family dearly and considered his children one of his greatest blessings and his posterity as an abundant blessing.

Ranching, farming and hard work were not only his lifestyle but also his passion. He served his community with dedication as a member of the school board, a leader in his church and a devoted supporter of the Boy Scouts.

In the end LaVerl found his greatest peace in the knowledge that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ. He believed with all his heart that no amount of effort or self-reliance could replace the grace offered by the Savior. Though imperfect, he knew he was loved and that through Christ’s atonement he could be forgiven and that gave him peace and joy.

LaVerl passed away surrounded by all of his living children. He and his first wife, Linda left a legacy of 9 children, 38 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his brothers, Mervin Wilhelm, Darwin Wilhelm, Robert Wilhelm, Joellen Wilhelm, Marcus and Kathy Tsosie Begay and his children, Sonia W. Carrol, Vaughn LaVerl Wilhelm, Kurt Nixon Wilhelm, Shanie W. Janes, Kathi W. Hausmann, Diane W. Ritman and Mark Thomas Wilhelm

LaVerl was preceded in death by his parents, Ora and Harry Wilhelm, sister, Beverly W. Harris, brother, Ronald Wilhelm, his first wife, Linda Carol Gore and his two sons, Craig Aaron Wilhelm and Todd Bateman Wilhelm.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, St. Johns Stake Center, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow the services at the St. Johns Westside Cemetery.