Lavern Wendt
May 26, 1925 ~ February 13, 2013
LaVern Wendt, age 87, of New Hampton died Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center in New Hampton surrounded by his family. LaVern Henry Wendt was born May 26, 1925 to Ernest and Hulda (Moeller) Wendt on the family farm near Frederika. He was a graduate of Frederika High School in 1944. After graduation he enlisted in the US Army on February 2, 1945 and received his honorable discharge on December 8, 1946. LaVern was assigned to the 363rd TC Harbor Craft Company in the Philippines. He received the Army of Occupation Medal Japan, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, Victory medal and Good Conduct Medal. On March 29, 1948, LaVern married Ruth Steege at Peace Church in Fredericksburg. He worked at Skyline Harvestore of Nashua, Farmers Butter and Dairy in Fredericksburg, Rath Packing in Waterloo. LaVern farmed in the Fredericksburg and New Hampton areas until 1992 when he retired because of health reasons. He enjoyed Polka dancing, farming, traveling, cooking and spending time with his family. LaVern is survived by his four children, LaVonne (Wendell) Tank of New Hampton, Lynette (Gary) Rathbone of New Hampton, Merlin (Clara) Wendt of Roland, IA and Rhonda (Larry) Stange of Waucoma; 16 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Betty Wendt of New Hampton; Brother-in-law, Curt Bigelow of Decorah and brothers and sisters-in-law, Lyle (Darlene) Steege and Alice (Glen) Fenneman, both of Fredericksburg. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 34 years, Ruth; two brothers, Harley and Lynford; a granddaughter, Shelly Ann Stange and two sisters-in-law, Margaret Wendt and Wilma Bigelow.
Cemetery:
Burial will be held in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery near Frederika.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00pm on Friday, February 15, 2013 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in New Hampton and will continue at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Funeral services for LaVern will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, February 16, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Pastor Kevin Frey officiating.
Thinking of you and praying for your family! So sorry for your loss.
~Tommy, Toni & Stone Babcock
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. He was always a great neighbor and friend.
Lynette and Gary, I am sorry for your loss. I worked with Lynette in new Hampton for about 8 years, I was in therapy. My familys prayers are with you Denise
So sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
To all of the Wendt family and relatives our deepest sympaty to all. You will be in our thoughts and prayers also.
Lynette
I was sorry to read about your father in the newspaper.
You have our deepest sympathy.
Darlys
Lynette and families, Our thoughts and prayers for your loss.
Lynette and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. It is never easy to lose a parent.
Merlin, Sorry to hear about your dad. Hope you will remember all the good times spent with him and know that now he is with his Maker in paradise. Our sympathy and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. This is one of the most difficult things we must face in our life. May it comfort you to know that others are deeply touched by your loss. God assures us at Psalms 34:18 that he is near to those broken in heart and those crushed in spirit he saves. Jesus also promises that we will be able to see our loved ones again. Jesus own words found at John 5:28,29 tells us there will be a resurrection. What a wonderful hope! God says that soon on the earth there will be no more pain, suffering and especially death at Revelation 21:3-5 We anxiously await the day when we will no longer lose those we love. May these bible thoughts bring you comfort at this most difficult time.
Sorry to hear of the loss. Our blessings and sympathy are with you all during this difficult time.
Sorry to hear of your loss. May the Lord of host uplift you and engulf your family during this time of sorrow.
Dear former neighbors: Sorry to hear of LaVern’s passing. Will always remember when you all lived on the Hassman farm across the corner from the Richland #1 School. Also remember LaVern farming with the Farmall Super C. Best Regards Dave
To the family of Lavern Wendt. I just happened on the new of Lavern’s death while checking information about Bob Rigler.
We recall our days serving St. John’s at Boyd and want to extend to you our deepest sympathy.
God be with you.
Pastor and Mrs. Hanusa