Rickels, Lavern E.

Lavern E. Rickels, 87, died Thursday, June 14, 2012, surrounded by his family, at Monticello Nursing and Rehab Center in Monticello. Services will be held 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 19, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Anamosa, with the Rev. Bill Nielsen officiating. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 18, at Goettsch Funeral Home in Anamosa. Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery, Anamosa.

Surviving are his wife, Marian; children, David (Debra) of Cedar Rapids, Dan (Lynn) of Anamosa, Diane Casper of Anamosa and Dean (Dana) of Amana; 21 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Raymond (Sue) of Mount Vernon and Bud of Garnavillo; and a daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Rickels-Ster of Urbana.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Dennis; and a son-in-law, Jerry Casper.

Lavern Eugene Rickels was born Aug. 10, 1924, in Monticello, Iowa, the son of William and Sena (Monk) Rickels. On Nov. 25, 1948, Lavern and Marian Stoll were united in marriage at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Monticello.

Lavern was dedicated to farming his whole life even while working at Wilson Meat Packing Plant eight years. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Anamosa 50 years, member of Circle J. Square Dance Club, Lasso E Camping Club, Linn-Jones FS Board and Jones County Farm Bureau, and was a Cornelius Seed Corn dealer, Fairview Community Center treasurer, and Fairview Township trustee.

Lavern was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend and will be missed dearly.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

Published June 17, 2012 in The Gazette