LaVern was born November 12, 1929 in Preble Township, Fillmore County, Minnesota to Lillian Vickerman. When he was 18 years old, he moved to California and while working at a candy factory, met his future wife, Elaine De La Piedra. They were married on October 30, 1954 in San Jose. LaVern was drafted and served two years in the United States Army. After serving in the Army they lived in San Jose where he worked for 35 years at Pacific Gas and Electric. After retiring he moved to Mabel in 1994 where he bought a farm and has resided since. Elaine passed away on October 20, 2011.
LaVern enjoyed mowing his lawn, bird watching, woodworking, coin collecting, and visiting with family and friends, especially from his great granddaughters.
LaVern passed away Friday, January 18, 2019 at Gundersen Health System in LaCrosse at the age of 89.
LaVern is survived by a granddaughter Cristal Adkins (Remi Reenalda) of Mabel; great grandchildren Shelby Adkins of Preston, Amy (Daniel) Swinger of LaCrosse, Taylor Adkins (Dustin Kerns) of Canton, Paul (Tiffanie) Adkins, Jr. of Mabel and Austen and Lyndsee O’Day of Texas; and great great granddaughter Ellie. He was preceded in death by his mother, wife, a son, Michael, and a grandson Ronnie O'Day.
Funeral service will be 11 AM, Wednesday, January 23 at the Newburg Methodist Church with Rev. Pam Seebach officiating. Burial will be in the Newburg Methodist Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 pm Tuesday January 22 at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel.
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