LaVern J. Stuhr, 77 of Elgin, NE, passed away Saturday, August 6, 2011 at the Norfolk Veterans Home in Norfolk, NE.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 11, 2011 at St. Boniface Church in Elgin, NE with Rev. James Kramper officiating. Interment will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery near Clearwater, NE with Military Rites by American Legion Post #229 and VFW Post #5816 of Elgin, NE. Visitation will be 3-5p.m. Wednesday at Huffman-Levander Funeral Home in Elgin and 6:30-7:30 p.m. at St. Boniface Church in Elgin, NE, with a 7:30 p.m. wake service.

LaVern Joseph Stuhr, son of Frank and Rose (Klein) Stuhr, was born April 21, 1934 at Raeville, NE. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Bonaventure Church in Raeville and attended school through the 8th grade. On September 7, 1955, he was inducted into the United States Army and was honorably discharged on July 8, 1957. While in the Army he earned his GED. Following his discharge, he returned home and began farming.

On July 9, 1982, LaVern was united in marriage with Vera Dell (Funk) Thiele at the Rural St. Johns Catholic Church near Clearwater, NE. The couple made their home on a farm east of Elgin where he continued to farm.

LaVern enjoyed woodworking, camping, spending time with his family and a good dessert. He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Frank and Rose; 1 brother: Herman; along with 2 sisters, Elizabeth Anne in infancy and Taureta Borer .

LaVern is survived by his wife Vera Dell of 29 years; six step-children: Karen (Jack) Allemang, Deb (Dwaine) Trease all of Clearwater; Mike (Katie) Thiele of St. Paul, NE; Gary (Carol) Thiele of Norfolk, NE; Greg (Ellen) Thiele of Meadow Grove, NE; Peggy (Ray) Connot of Neligh, NE; 14 step-grandchildren; 6 step-great-grandchildren; five sisters: Mrs. Duane (Marguerite) Henn of McCook, NE; Mrs. Rosina Parr of Wisner, NE; Mrs. Fred (Mary Ann) Fangman of Petersburg, NE; Mrs. Steve (Phyllis) Dahlkoetter of Norfolk, NE; Mrs Richard (Dorothy) Schultz of Wisner, NE; one brother: Frank (Linda) Stuhr of Atkinson, NE; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.