LAU, Verner E. (1920-2004)

LAU, HABERKAMP, LARSEN, BURKET, DUNN, HAPPEL, SCHMIDT

Posted By: Pat Ludeke (email)
Date: 8/26/2013 at 01:17:53

VERNER E. LAU OCTOBER 15, 1920 – JANUARY 16, 2004

Verner E. Lau, of Garner, died on Friday, January 16, 2004, at the Westview Care Center, Britt. He was 83.

His funeral was held on Tuesday, January 20, at the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, with the Rev. Darrell Weber officiating. Music was provided by organist, Mary Etherington who accompanied soloist, Gloria Molencamp and congregational hymns.

Casket bearers were Dennis Lau, Ron Happel, Graydon Lau, Mark Lau, Doug Lau and Rob Lau. Burial was in the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme, with military rites by the Klemme Veterans Ceremonial Unit. The Cataldo Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Verner Emil Lau, the son of Emil and Alma Ella (Haberkamp) Lau, was born on October 15, 1920, on a farm south of Klemme. He was confirmed at the Immanuel Reformed Church in Klemme and graduated from the Klemme High School in 1938. After high school he farmed with his father.

From 1944 to 1946, Verner served his country in the U.S. Army during and after WW II. During this time he was in the 822nd Military Police, which was charged with maintaining law and order in occupied Berlin. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Klemme to farm with his father and brother.

On June 4, 1958, he married Velma Larsen at the Titonka Methodist Church. To this union two daughters were born, Barbara and Debra. Verner and Velma continued to farm the home place near Klemme until retiring from farming and moving into Garner in 1988. In August of 2002, they moved to the Prairie View Apartments in Garner.

His great joy in life was his three grandchildren. Verner's love of children was always evident as he played ball with his nieces and nephews and gave them rides on his horse.

He was a member of the Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, the Adam-Schaefer American Legion Post No. 625 in Klemme and the Klemme Lions Club.

He is survived by his wife, Velma, of Garner; two daughters, Barbara Burket and husband, Greg of Minburn and Debra Dunn and husband, Jess of Grimes; grandchildren, Mikaela Sue Dunn, Blake Ronald Dunn and Heidi Marie Burket; a brother, Paul Lau and wife, Phyllis of Garner; a brother-in-law, Richard Happel of Alexander; a sister-in-law, Ramona Lau Schmidt and husband, Marvin of Ventura; six nephews and four nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Allen Lau and a sister, Lois Happel.