LaVern Wetgen, 99, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Sunday, July 30, 2023, at his home in Columbus.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, August 4 at 10:30 AM, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus with Rev. Ollie Fullmer officiating. Interment will be in Columbus Cemetery. Visitation will on Friday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or the donor's choice.
LaVern was born on September 5, 1923, in rural Platte County to Walter F. Wetgen and Elsie (Krause) Wetgen. He attended rural School District 72, a one room schoolhouse, and Kramer High School in Columbus. He was born, raised, and farmed on the farm homesteaded by his Great Grandfather Johann Wetgen.
He married Merna (Mert) Ingold on August 8, 1954, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Together they farmed and raised their family, Sondra, and Larry. In 1981 they built a house near Columbus and retired. On July 12, 1989, the family was honored by the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben for continued ownership and farming a farm for 100 years.
LaVern enjoyed traveling with his family throughout the 48 states and southern Canada from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. He enjoyed all of Nebraska’s and Lakeview’s sports, NASCAR, and dancing. When he was young, he enjoyed bowling, playing softball, and hunting, especially coyotes. He also enjoyed refinishing old furniture.
LaVern is survived by - Son - Larry (Rhonda) Wetgen of Columbus, Nebraska Son-in-law - Darrell Sedlacek of Columbus, Nebraska Grandson - Sean (Nicole) Wetgen of Platte Center, Nebraska Granddaughter - Sara (Jason) Yates of Hickman, Nebraska Great Grandchildren - Trevor, Brooklyn, and Colton Wetgen of Platte Center, Nebraska; And Kaden Yates of Hickman, Nebraska Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law- Paul (Sue) Ingold of Ashton, Nebraska Many nephews and nieces
LaVern was preceded in death by - Parents - Walter F. and Elsie Wetgen Wife - Merna (Mert) Wetgen Daughter - Sondra Wetgen Sedlacek Sister and Brother-in-law - Evangeline (Vangie) and Clarence Reick Brother and Sister-in-laws - Melvin and Vernetta Wetgen and Delores Wetgen Nephews - Curtis Rieck and Wayne Wetgen Great Niece - Kelly Wetgen (Wayne’s daughter) Father and Mother-in-law - Fred and Martha Ingold Brother-in-law - Jack Ingold Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law - Donald and Gladys Ingold Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law - Fred Jr. and Genie Ingold
Gass Haney Funeral Home
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