LaVerne Martin

December 3, 1942 - April 26, 2012

LaVerne Edward Martin, one of six children of William F. and Julia Marie (Winters) Martin, was born December 3, 1942 in Davenport, Iowa. He was baptized April 11, 1943 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Davenport, and attended school at Sacred Heart, St. Anthony?s, St. Mary?s, and Assumption High, all in Davenport. As a young man, LaVerne was married to Gloria Jean Poggenpohl in Davenport. They were blessed with six children: LaVerne, Jr., LeRoy, Kandra, Leland, Lanny, and Lance. Later in life, on July 15, 2003, LaVerne was married to Paula (Frerichs) Mills in Davenport. LaVerne accepted her children as his own. LaVerne worked in many positions throughout his life. He worked at various truck stops in Nebraska and Iowa as either a fuel attendant or a supervisor. He worked as a security officer for Per Mar in Davenport, held numerous other security positions, and served as a county sheriff in Nebraska. LaVerne trained a guard dog for one of his security jobs. He managed roller skating rinks, and made roller skates for young people who otherwise might not be able to afford them. On February 26, 2012 LaVerne was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Auburn, Nebraska, and became a member of the church. He was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed watching westerns, wrestling, and roller skating. He was an animal lover, and raised fish and rabbits at different times in his life. He also raised pigeons, and belonged to pigeon clubs in Fulton, Illinois and Clinton, Iowa, where he showed pigeons with his son LeRoy. Suffering from the effects of cancer, LaVerne passed away at his home in Auburn on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at the age of 69 years, 4 months, and 23 days. He was preceded in death by his mother Julia Matherly, father William F. Martin, and son Lance ?Porky? Martin. LaVerne is survived by his wife Paula of Auburn; children LaVerne Martin, Jr of Iowa City, IA; LeRoy Martin of Iowa City; Kandra (Kirk) Blumenshein of Coal Valley, IL; Leland Martin of Sac City, IA; Lanny (Lori) Martin of Iowa City; step-children Eric (Sabrina) Mills; Anthony Mills; Christopher Mills; Gloria Mills; Sondra Mills; Danny Martin; Jennifer Till; 10 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; a multitude of step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; siblings Nettie (Lloyd) Riendeau of Davenport, IA; Melody (Don) Anderson of Grand Island, NE; Dennis Martin of Grand Island; Brenda (Dan) Doss of Silvis, IL; Mark Anthony ?Tony? (Susan) Martin of Davenport; other relatives and friends. Funeral services were Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Auburn, officiated by Rev. Jonathan Rathjen. Joan Wittmann was organist and accompanist for congregational hymns. Pallbearers were Kandra Blumenshein, Eric Mills, LaVerne Martin, Jr., Leland Martin, and LeRoy Martin. Christopher Mills and Anthony Mills were honorary pallbearers. Burial was in Trinity (Stutheit) Cemetery near Johnson, Nebraska.