La Vern (O'Donnell) Plein 1918-2000

PLEIN, ODONNELL, MAHONEY, WANG, REYNOLDS

Posted By: Pat Pasmore (email)
Date: 1/23/2004 at 15:46:11

La Vern Plein, 80, of Waukon, passed away May 25, 2000, at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. La Vern was born Dec. 1, 1919, the daughter of Anton and Alvaretta (Whalen) O'Donnell of Waukon. She graduated from high school May 25, 1936, then attended La Crosse Teachers College in La Crosse, WI. July 7, 1948, La Vern O'Donnell was united in marriage to James Plein at St. Mary's Lycurgus, a rural church midway between Waukon and Lansing. Throughout her life, La Vern lived in Waukon, rural Lansing, La Crosse, WI, and Waterloo. She was a retired teacher and an active member in the VFW Auxiliary, St. Mary's Lycurgus Church and St. Patrick's Catholic Church, where she and her husband were members of the parish. She is survived by two children, Richard (Cecilia, friend) of Marion and Ralph (Marie) of Lansing; three daughters, Marilyn (Lyle) Mahoney of Waukon, Diane of Waukon, and Theresa (Neal) Wang of La Crosse, WI; ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. La Vern was preceded in death by her husband, James, who passed away in 1998; one son, Bernard; one granddaughter, Amanda; and two sisters, Jeannie Reynolds and Mary, the latter of whom passed away in infancy.

Funeral services for La Vern Plein were held Tuesday, May 30, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Lycurgus Church. Msgr. Ed Lechtenberg officiated. Interment was subsequently held in St. Mary's Lycurgus Cemetery. A special visitation prior to funeral services was held at Hanson Funeral Home in Waukon.

Pallbearers at the ceremony were Justin Plein, Josh Plein, Fred Reinhardt, Tyler Plein, Shane Mahoney, and Matt Mahoney, grandsons to La Vern. Honorary pallbearers included granddaughters Teresa Newbauer, Josie Plein, Jennifer Reinhardt, Jessica Plein, and Shannon Mahoney.

A scholarship was named for La Vern Plein in honor of 22 years dedicated service as a GED teacher.