LaVern Edward Millard

MILLARD, PETERSEN, ROSAUER, SCHOLL

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 12/17/2024 at 11:31:23

LaVern Edward Millard, 77 years old, of Independence, IA, died Friday, December 13, 2024, at UnityPoint – St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA, following a short battle with cancer.

LaVern was born October 15, 1947, at Rockwell, IA, the son of Raymond Shepardson Millard and Virginia Mary Ellen (Scholl) Millard. He attended school in Manly, IA, and graduated from North Central High School with the class of 1965. He continued his education at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, IA, before graduating from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in Milwaukee, WI.

On February 20, 1971, LaVern was united in marriage to Rosemary Hagarty at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Falls, IA. The couple moved with LaVern’s career as a funeral director, and they made their home in Mason City, IA, Prairie de Chien, WI, and finally, Independence, IA, where LaVern was employed at White Funeral Home. Independence quickly became home, and LaVern and Rosemary raised their family among neighbors that would become lifelong friends. After a career change, LaVern worked for Corn Blossom Foods, Wal-Mart, and Four Oaks Family Services. LaVern was a friendly, people person, and regardless of what he was doing, he loved to be around others.

LaVern enjoyed playing marbles and card games - especially 500 and cribbage. He loved to stay active and would walk all over Independence on a regular basis. He loved his family and friends and always looked forward to seeing his sons and grandchildren. In his younger years, he enjoyed camping with his family alongside his good friends, Chet and Fran Rosauer. LaVern liked to go to coffee with the Shysters Coffee Club and was an active member of St. John Catholic Church in Independence for 50 years, where he was a greeter, eucharistic minister, men’s group member, and afghan blanket making group member.

LaVern is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rosemary Millard of Independence, IA; three sons, Jeff (Kat) Millard of East Moline, IL, Ray Millard (Angela Thornton-Millard) of Lenexa, KS, Nick (Amy) Millard of Alamosa, CO; eight grandchildren, Derek, Tim, and Xzavier Millard, Charlotte, Wesley, and Caroline Millard, and Mary and Jillian Millard; three great grandchildren; and one sister, Beverly Petersen of Manly, IA. He is also survived by Jeff and Joel Rosauer, the sons of LaVern and Rosemary’s beloved friends, Chet and Fran Rosauer.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one infant sister, Barbara Jane Millard; and special friends, Chet and Fran Rosauer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. - Monday, December 23, 2024, at St. John Catholic Church in Independence, with Very Rev. David M. Beckman as celebrant. Inurnment will be at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Independence at a later date.

Visitation will be 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sunday, December 22, 2024, at White Funeral Home, Independence, where there will be a parish rosary at 2:00 p.m. and a vigil service at 5:30 p.m. Visitation will continue for an hour before services, Monday, at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com
White Funeral Home, Independence, is in charge of arrangements.