LaVern Vickerman, 89, of Mabel, Minn., died Friday, January 18, 2019, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse.
LaVern was born November 12, 1929, in Preble Township, Fillmore County, Minn., 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 is survived by a granddaughter, Cristal Adkins (Remi Reenalda) of Mabel; great-grandchildren Shelby Adkins of Preston, Amy (Daniel) Swinger of La Crosse, 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, and a son, Michael.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. 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 p.m. Tuesday, January 22 at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel.