Laverne Bausher

LaVerne C. Bausher, 82, of Lower Heidelberg, passed away on January 11.

Verne, as he was known, was the husband of Sandra S. (Stamm) Bausher; they were married for 56 wonderful years.

Born in Reading on February 26, 1939, in the Reading Homeopathic Hospital, (which is currently the St. Joseph-Penn State Medical Center).  He was the son of LaVerne Henne Bausher and Helen (Dornes) Bausher.  His father was his best friend, from whom he learned about business and ethics in his family’s grocery store/food business.

Verne was a 1956 honors graduate of Reading High School.  He earned a B.S. degree with honors from Drexel University in Philadelphia, where he was president of his fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi. He was named to WHO’S WHO in American Universities.  In 1962, he obtained his MBA degree from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.  He served in the U. S. Army in 1963.  He was a member of Advent Lutheran Church in Spring Township.

Verne felt proud to be employed for over 40 years in the commercial banking industry.  His banking career started in the co-op program at Drexel in 1959 when he worked at First PA. Bank in Philadelphia as a floating teller, working in 15 different branches and using only public transportation.  He was recruited in 1962 by Central National Bank of Cleveland where he became their youngest branch manager.

In 1969, he joined American Bank and Trust Company, later Meridian Bank, Reading, where he established the first international banking department outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.  In 1975, he became Vice President of the Secured Lending Division and in 1980 he became Vice President of a uniquely new division (Loan Administration) to oversee and monitor the bank’s lending policies, credit risk and the training of all lending officers.

In 1984, Verne made another unique career change by moving to Sovereign Bank (formerly Penn Savings Bank, currently Santander), where as Executive President and Chief Lending Officer he established the first commercial lending department in a savings and loan company in Pennsylvania.

In 1987, Germantown Savings Bank, Philadelphia, recruited Verne to become its Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer.  When the bank was sold in 1995, Verne retired but later joined the new Berks County Bank.  Verne’s customer relationships, business acumen and commercial successes made it an easy choice for many of his previous Meridian and Sovereign customers to transition to Berks County Bank.

Verne served 13 years on both the board of directors of the Wilson School District and the Berks County Intermediate Unit, holding the positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Finance & Budget Chairman.  Verne was a member of Robert Morris Associates (the professional commercial banking society), served as a trustee of the Burn Foundation of N.E. Pa. and a trustee on the Public Education Foundation of Berks County. He also served as a board member of the Reading YMCA.  He served on the Reading Phillies Advisory Board in the 70’s and on the board of Planned Parenthood of Berks County.  Verne was recognized in Who's Who in Business and in America.

With his children in the swimming pool, Verne became involved with swimming and diving in Berks County for many years.  He served as a PIAA swimming and diving official for over 25 years and served as president of Wilshire Pool and Wilshire Boosters Assn. He also was a big supporter of the Ron Regar River swim and was an official for the Reading YMCA swim team as well.

Later in life, he was also a volunteer in Berks Encore Income Tax Assistance Program, where Verne prepared tax returns for the elderly for ten years.  He served on the Wilson School District Scholarship Committee and as President of Meridian Bank Retirees.  And more recently, he served on his community homeowner’s association.

In his spare time, Verne enjoyed history and learning as hobbies. After retiring, he would attend and take numerous courses at the local community college or through videos.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons—Christopher S., husband of Elizabeth Bausher, of Orlando FL., and Andrew P., husband of Amanda Bausher, also of Orlando, FL, and two daughters--- Gretchen S. Coonrad, wife of Russell Coonrad, of Barrington, IL., and Samantha A. Bausher-Grybosky, wife of Lawrence Grybosky, of Sinking Spring, Pa.

A highlight of Verne's later life was his eleven grandchildren, whom he adored.  They called him OPA and BIG DADS.  They include Eva Henne B. Coonrad, Zachary L. Bausher-Grybosky, Ingrid C. Coonrad, Andrea P. Bausher-Grybosky, Luca C. Bausher, Reagan S. Coonrad, Elliot D. Bausher-Grybosky, Nico J. Bausher, Madison A. Bausher,

Tabitha R. Bausher-Grybosky, and Gia M. Bausher.  Also surviving is a sister, Suzanne Eva Bausher, wife of James F. Stamm Jr., and nephew James and niece Jessica.

Funeral Service will be held at Bean Funeral Home 3825 Penn Ave. Sinking Spring Friday, January 21, 2022 at 11:00 am.  Interment will follow at Charles Evans Cemetery.  The family will receive relatives and friends at Bean Funeral Home Thursday, January 20, 2022 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Friday from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A special thanks to the wonderful team of Dr. Rovito and the St. Joseph Cancer Center staff and the Compassus Hospice staff for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society 3893 Adler Place Suite 170, Bethlehem, PA 18017 in memory of Mr. LaVerne C. Bausher.   On line condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.