Lavern F. Engler

LaVern F. Engler, 91, of Grand Island, Ne passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at CHI Health St. Francis of Grand Island.



Services will be October 26, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Resurrection Catholic Church in Grand Island with Fr. Martin Egging and Fr. Joseph Kadaprayil officiating. Burial will follow in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Monday, October 25th with the family greeting friends from 5 to 7 PM. A rosary will follow the visitation at 7 PM. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family.



LaVern was born in Green Valley area south of Stuart, NE to Gilbert J. and Blanche A. (Freouf) Engler on September 5, 1930. LaVern began his education at District 213 near Atkinson. He continued his education in Rock & Holt Counties, graduating from St. Joseph High School in Atkinson in 1950. He married Arlene Ruroede on June 28, 1956 in Atkinson, NE.



LaVern spent 17 months overseas stationed in Austria and Germany during his service with the United States Army from March of 1952 until he was Honorably Discharged in March of 1954 serving during the Korean War. Returning to Atkinson, he worked for Standard Oil Co. and various farmers and ranchers. He was then employed as a Nebraska State Brand Inspector stationed in Grand Island for 28 years. He then retired in 1995.



He was a charter member of Resurrection Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and the Atkinson American Legion.

He loved spending time attending his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s activities whenever possible. He also enjoyed gardening, often sharing his extra produce with many family and friends.



He is survived by his wife, Arlene; five daughters, Elizabeth & Karen of Grand Island, Paula (Karl) Heck of Grand Island, Sandra (Greg) Royle of Central City, and Rebecca (Paul) Loy of Berwyn; six grandchildren: Jason (Casey) Heck, Shannon (Dustin) Avila, Victoria (Mitch Wood) Royle, Katherine (Neil) Wegner, William (Hayley) Royle & Julia (Aaron) Spracklin; eight great grandchildren: Chase, Jalen & JaLeis Heck, Kiera, Maleigh & Stone Avila, and Connar & Beau Wegner.

Other survivors include a brother, James (Deb) Engler of Gering, NE; four sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.



LaVern was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Robert, Lawrence & Bernard; and a sister, Delores.