LaVerne Ernest Lebahn

LaVerne Ernest Lebahn, 94, of Manlius, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Allure of Walnut, Walnut, IL. He was born on September 10, 1930, in Gold Township, IL, to Ernest C. and Leora (Hansen) Lebahn. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. LaVerne married Sharon B. Wallace on November 27, 1955. She preceded him in death on March 6, 2014.

LaVerne was a life-long farmer and retired from Lebahn Farms in 2000. Even in retirement, he stayed busy running errands, helping move equipment, and bringing meals to the field. He could often be found sitting in his truck, supervising the farming. In his younger years, he raised hogs and cattle. LaVerne was active in his community, serving as a Den Master for Cub Scouts and as a Senior Babe Ruth Coach. He was a life-long member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manlius, where he served on the church council and participated in the Trinity Men’s Club. Additionally, he was a member of the Sheffield/Neponset American Legion Post 875, a board member of the Manlius First National Bank for many years, and a member of the Lions Club in Manlius. In his later years, LaVerne enjoyed traveling to Clearwater Beach, FL, walking the pier, and observing the fishermen’s daily catch. He also cherished attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and musical concerts.

LaVerne is survived by his children: Lorraine (Loren) Hartz of Wyoming, Lenore (Roger) Craine, and Fred (Patricia) Lebahn, both of Sheffield. Also surviving are eight grandchildren: Lyndon (Kimberly) Hartz, Weston (Christine) Hartz, Alyssa (Chance) Jones, Christopher Craine, Brian (Lacey) Craine, Madison Lebahn, Jordan Lebahn, and Sydney (Brady) Franks; and 10 great-grandchildren: Karstyn, Scheyer, Koby, Dylan, and Myles Jones, MacKenzie and Ryder Hartz, Ava and Chloe Craine, and Brooklyn Franks. He is also survived by his sister, Karen Ann (Larry) Hansen of Manlius.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his sister, Marilee Lebahn, and his Aunt Carrie Lebahn.

Funeral services will take place at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Manlius, with Pastor Terry Lancaster and Jeff Whalen officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM, at the church. Burial will follow in Manlius Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Allure of Walnut, Walnut, IL.