Laverne Juel Lykke

LaVerne Juel Lykke, the son of John and Anna Marie Juel Lykke, was born November 4, 1919 at home in Sharon Township, east of Kimballton, Iowa and died August 1, 2009, at the Immanuel Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 89 years, 8 months, and 27 days.
LaVerne was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton. He attended Exira Community School, then helped operate the family farm. Later he drove a feed and produce truck for Leon Milliman. On June 3, 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his tour of duty he served in France, Africa, Italy, and Germany. He was honorably discharged on October 25, 1945. He returned to Exira and worked for Leon Milliman.
On January 21, 1946, he was united in marriage to Maxine N. Johnson in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1948 they moved to a farm west of Exira which they operated for a short time. Then in 1950 he purchased a farm southeast of Exira. He operated a grain and livestock farm until 1967. They sold the farm and moved into Exira. He was employed by the Anita Co-op for a short time before he started Lykke Feed in Exira. LaVerne operated the store until he retired and sold the store in 1981. During retirement he enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and visiting with friends at the Red Barn. Maxine died March 11, 1994. LaVerne enjoyed his home until he moved to the Exira Care Center on July 14, 2009.
LaVerne was a member of the Exira Lutheran Church. He also was a member of the Ballou Post 332, Exira American Legion for 63 years and had been a volunteer fireman. LaVerne enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in addition to his wife were his parents and his brothers: Clarence Lykke and Arnold Lykke.
Survivors include his daughters Gayla and Bill Parker of Lincoln, NE and Bonnie and Dave Slezak of Omaha, NE; his grandchildren: Jeff Parker of Lincoln, NE; Tammi and Neil Davidson of Gretna, NE; Michelle and Dustin Reed of Idaho Falls, ID; Shawna and Jose Santos of Papillion, NE and Whitney Slezak of Omaha; his great-grandchildren: Quinn Parker of Lincoln; Josh and Jacob Davidson of Gretna; Kenadee and Kamryn Reed of Idaho Falls; Xena Santos of Papillion; his sisters: Leona Rubel of Audubon, IA and Agnes Jacobsen of Exira, IA; his sisters-in-law: Thelma Lykke of Jefferson, IA and Bertha Johnson of Fontanelle, IA; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cemetery:
Interment will be in the Exira Cemetery.

Visitation:
The family will meet friends Tuesday evening at 6:30 until 8:30 at Kessler Funeral Home in Exira.

Service:
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Kathy Wicks on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 10:30 A.M. at the Exira Lutheran Church.