Lavern Leo Schmitz
November 10, 1930 — March 20, 2017
LaVern Leo Schmitz, son of Bernard and Eleanor (Gubbles) Schmitz was born November 10, 1930. He grew up in Westphalia, Iowa with his ten siblings. LaVern was baptized and confirmed at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia. He attended school to the 9th grade until he was needed to help on the family farm.
On February 25, 1952, LaVern was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. He served his country honorably until being discharged February 20, 1954. During his time in the service, LaVern was awarded with a Koren Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and 2 Overseas Bars.
LaVern met the love of his life at a dance in Defiance, Iowa, Mary Ellen Henkelman and was united in marriage on April 22, 1954 in St. Peter’s Catholic Church. They were blessed with seven children and raised their family in Defiance, Iowa. LaVern got started in the bee business with his father-in-law. He was very involved in his community and church, serving on the City Council, Parish Council, Defiance Volunteer Fire Department, as an Eucharistic Minister and singing in the choir. He retired at the age of 65 and remained in Defiance until moving to Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan on January 23, 2014.
LaVern enjoyed dancing and spending his time woodworking. He loved being with his family, especially his grandchildren.
LaVern died on Monday, March 20, 2017 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, attaining the age of eighty-six years, four months and ten days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Mary, siblings Eugene Schmitz, Eldred Schmitz; Bernadette Conkel, Luella Hull, Marcelene Bissen and Luanna Schmitz.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his children Rick Schmitz and his wife Cris of Gillette, Wyoming; Sally and her husband Ron Weihs of Four Seasons, Missouri; Doug Schmitz and his wife Cindy of Defiance, Iowa; Ed Schmitz and his wife Susan of Defiance; Rosemary and her husband Mike McCoy of Urbandale, Iowa; Cindy and her husband John Auffart of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Paul Schmitz and his wife Shelley of Council Bluffs; 22 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; siblings Sr. Bernice Schmitz of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Lester Schmitz of Harlan, Iowa; Arlene and her husband Bob Hodapp of Denver, Colorado; Sr. Loraine Schmitz of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.
On February 25, 1952, LaVern was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War. He served his country honorably until being discharged February 20, 1954. During his time in the service, LaVern was awarded with a Koren Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and 2 Overseas Bars.
LaVern met the love of his life at a dance in Defiance, Iowa, Mary Ellen Henkelman and was united in marriage on April 22, 1954 in St. Peter’s Catholic Church. They were blessed with seven children and raised their family in Defiance, Iowa. LaVern got started in the bee business with his father-in-law. He was very involved in his community and church, serving on the City Council, Parish Council, Defiance Volunteer Fire Department, as an Eucharistic Minister and singing in the choir. He retired at the age of 65 and remained in Defiance until moving to Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan on January 23, 2014.
LaVern enjoyed dancing and spending his time woodworking. He loved being with his family, especially his grandchildren.
LaVern died on Monday, March 20, 2017 at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, attaining the age of eighty-six years, four months and ten days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Mary, siblings Eugene Schmitz, Eldred Schmitz; Bernadette Conkel, Luella Hull, Marcelene Bissen and Luanna Schmitz.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his children Rick Schmitz and his wife Cris of Gillette, Wyoming; Sally and her husband Ron Weihs of Four Seasons, Missouri; Doug Schmitz and his wife Cindy of Defiance, Iowa; Ed Schmitz and his wife Susan of Defiance; Rosemary and her husband Mike McCoy of Urbandale, Iowa; Cindy and her husband John Auffart of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Paul Schmitz and his wife Shelley of Council Bluffs; 22 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; siblings Sr. Bernice Schmitz of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Lester Schmitz of Harlan, Iowa; Arlene and her husband Bob Hodapp of Denver, Colorado; Sr. Loraine Schmitz of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.
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