LaVern William Koch Obituary (1932

LaVern William Koch was born June 5, 1932 at Raeville, Nebraska the son of John and Marie Recker Koch. He attended Catholic school in Raeville and even stayed with the nuns during the week going home on weekends. The family moved to Lamont, Iowa where LaVern graduated from Lamont High School. LaVern was united in marriage to Colleen Schlumbohm on August 10, 1954. To this union were born six children: Elaine, Doris, Karen, Ann, Larry, and Steve. LaVern worked for International Harvestor, the railroad and the Aurora Coop. In 1956 they moved to the Schlumbohm family farm where they raised their large family. After a tragic car accident in 1988 Colleen died. LaVern married Mary Thole on October 6, 1990. He always loved the farm and his John Deere equipment. He said a farmer can smell the dirt. After retiring he still spent most days at the farm. He loved to ride his four wheeler, picking up cans and asparagus in the ditch even though his back hurt. He and Mary spent 28 winters in Florida. He loved the warmer weather and all the social life. He liked flea marketing, clocks, collecting tractors of all sizes, picking strawberries, playing cards and of course having lunch or snacks afterward. He once was known for havingbought out an entire garage sale. LaVern Koch, 86, entered into his eternal rest on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home. Survivors include his wife Mary of Lamont; his six children: Elaine (Ken) Westin of Fredericksburg; Doris (Alan) Flexenhar of West Des Moines; Karen Meyers of Strawberry Point; Ann (Jerry) Flexenhar of Winthrop; Larry (Chelley) of Aurora; and Steve (Becky) of Oelwein; thirteen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren, and three on the way; He is also survived by two step-children: Linda (Jim) Mathews of Seminole, FL; and Rozanne (Bill) Dallenback of Volga City; four step grandchildren, nine step great grandchildren; his sister Marilyn (Jim) Welter of Masonville; sisters-in-law: Kathy Koch of Oelwein; Verna Koch of Lamont; Lois (Charles) Tempus of Aurora, and Fran (Gay) Bowden of West Union. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Colleen; one sister Dacia Ward; four brothers: Vince, Florian, Jerome, and James Koch; brother-in-law Jim Ward; sister-in-law Lois Koch; and his son-in-law Dan Meyers. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Strawberry Point with Father John Haugen officiating. Music provided by Jake and Brandon Carpenter. Casketbearers will be grandchildren: Nathan Meyers, Mandy Flinn, Billy Meyers, Alan Westin, Colin Koch, Logan Flexsenhar, Caleb Koch, and Tony Koch. Honorary bearers: Melissa Flexsenhar, Angie Mellick, Chelsey Moellers, Megan Flexsenhar, and Caileye Boock. Following the services lunch will be held in the Church downstairs followed by interment in St. Albert's Cemetery at Lamont, Iowa. Visitation will all be held at the Church in Strawberry Point, from 4 PM until 7 PM Monday with a vigil service at 7 PM and after 10 AM on Tuesday. The Fawcett Funeral Homes and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Online at www.fawcettsfuneralhome.com under obituaries.