LaVERNE H. SPECKMANN
LaVerne Henry Speckmann, only child of Henry and Freida (Knippelmier) Speckmann, was born April 9, 1935 on a farm outside Johnson, Nebraska. LaVerne was baptized and confirmed at Martin Luther Lutheran Church by Rev. W. F. Freuhling. He attended country school at Long Branch #37 through the 8th grade, and then went to Tecumseh High School, graduating with the class of 1953.
After high school, LaVerne joined the United States Army. After being honorably discharged, he returned home to take up farming. LaVerne was grateful to have been able to serve his country during peacetime.
On April 17, 1960, LaVerne was united in marriage to Lila Peterson at Grace Lutheran Church in Cook, Nebraska. The couple would be blessed with four children: Les, LuRae, Lori, and Lynette. Lila passed on February 28, 1987. After Lila’s passing, LaVerne was united in marriage to Norma Doty on April 29, 1988 at Salem United Church of Christ near Steinauer, Nebraska. LaVerne would welcome Norma’s family as his own.
LaVerne was a member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church and then later at St. James Lutheran (Long Branch) Church. He was always active in the church and dedicated to serving in any capacity from singing in the choir, serving on the council, or cemetery board. LaVerne farmed his entire life, also raising cattle, hogs, and the occasional chickens and ducks. He enjoyed socializing with people and was one to never know a stranger. LaVerne and Norma also enjoyed polka dancing together. His church, farming, and family were his life.
On Friday, September 18, 2020, LaVerne passed into eternal life at Bryan Medical Center East in Lincoln. Having reached the age of 85 years, 5 months, and 9 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lila, granddaughter Morgan Hallstrom, and great-grandchild Hayden Hovendick.
Those left to mourn LaVerne’s passing include his wife Norma; children Les and wife Lanette Speckmann, LuRae and husband Bob Hallstrom, Lori and husband Jeff Broady, Lynette and husband Craig Underwood, Howard and wife Betty Doty, Les Doty, Shirley and husband John Laflin; grandchildren Ashley (Spence) Beethe, Dani (Bryce) Niss, Erin Hallstrom, Jordan Broady, Michelle Broady, Alexis Elliott, Kendall Hallstrom, Kaylea Speckmann, Kori Speckmann, Jacob Elliott, Grant Hallstrom, Skylar Underwood, Caleb Underwood, Luke Underwood, Chantel (Andy) Farwell, Cody (Carlee) Tasler, Tonya Tasler (Kevin Tsosie), Brian Doty, Meagan (Jacob) Hovendick, Heather Peck, Andrew (Katelyn) Laflin, Lisa (Sam) Teske; great-grandchildren Weston, Reid, and LilaBelle Niss, Kinsley Beethe, Benson, +1 Beethe, Jace Underwood, Paislee and Colby Farwell, Kash Tasler, Adam, Austin, Kavana, Kylena, Bradon, and Broly Tsosie, Henley, Huxton, and Harper Hovendick, Arik Laflin, Grayson, Beckett and Reese Teske; other relatives, and friends.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, September 22, 2020, at St. James Lutheran (Long Branch) Church near Humboldt, officiated by Revs. Amalia and Eric Spruth-Janssen. Phyllis Davis played accompaniment for a selection sang by a community choir, soloist Lynette Underwood, as well as congregational hymns. Les Speckmann, LuRae Hallstrom, Lori Broady, Lynette Underwood, Howard Doty, Les Doty, and Shirley Laflin served as casket bearers. Burial followed in Martin Luther Cemetery near Johnson. Graveside military honors were provided by American Legion Post #370 of Elk Creek.
Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.