Ranfeld, Lavern

Lavern Ranfeld, 77, of Victor, died peacefully Wednesday, April 18, 2012, surrounded by his family, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 23, at the Victor Baptist Church, with Pastor Dan Andrews officiating. Interment will be at Immanuel Cemetery, south of Victor. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 22, from noon until 7 p.m., with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m., at the church.

Lavern was born Nov. 23, 1934, the son of Milo and Meryl Nail Ranfeld at their home southwest of Victor, Iowa. He spent his schools years in Guernsey and Victor. He was united in marriage to Lorna Lyman in 1956 and together they had five children. Lavern was a lifelong farmer and farmed southwest of Victor. In his retirement he drove a school bus. On Oct. 23, 1999, he was united in marriage to Kathy Posekany.

Laverne received Jesus Christ as his Savior. He enjoyed singing, and attending Gospel music concerts. He was a member of Victor Baptist Church for many years.

Survivors include his wife, Kathy of Victor; his five children, Ron (Shelly) of Bennett, Gary (Lynn) of Kalamazoo, Mich., Kelly (Phyllis) of Whitewater, Kan., Dan (Kathy) of Chesapeake, Va., and Kathy (Willie) Hunter of Smithville, Mo.; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Marlene (Allen) Decious of Cedar Rapids; and three nephews, Randy, Dean and Ernie.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Published April 21, 2012 in The Gazette