Obituary of Laverne Andrew Deutmeyer

Survivors include 5 daughters: Carol (Charles) Steger of New Vienna, IA, Pat (Allen) Willenbring of Dubuque, IA, Gloria (Terry) Bockenstedt of Dyersville, Sherry (Dean) Digmann of Marion, IA, and Michelle "Shelly" (Craig) Carton of Earlville, IA, 7 sons: John (Ruth) of Petersburg, Jim (Paula) of Guttenberg, IA, Daniel (Linda) of Luxemburg, IA, Duane of Mineral Point, WI, Ron "Fuzz" of Overland Park, KS, Gary (Julie) and Terry (Janell) both of Petersburg, 41 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, sisters-in-law: Rita Deutmeyer of Dyersville, Valeria Koelker of Dubuque, LeeAnn (Fred) Wessels of Manchester, IA, Rita Engelken of Greeley and Norma Engelken of Dyersville, brother-in-law, David (Mona) Engelken of Colesburg. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Germaine in 2002, a son, Scott (in infancy), son-in-law: Scott Slattery, 4 sisters: Regina Funke, Emma Funke, Laurine Krapfl, Hilda Hermsen, 6 brothers: Joe, Lawrence, Edward, Raymond, Ralph, Gregor, sister-in-law, Verna Mae Wagner, brothers-in-law: Ralph, Walter and Mark Engelken. Laverne was born on September 30, 1922 in Petersburg, Iowa, the son of Joseph and Rose (Recker) Deutmeyer. He married Germaine D. Engelken on August 30, 1944, in Petersburg, Iowa. Together they raised their family and farmed the Deutmeyer family farm near Petersburg until 1981 when they moved to Petersburg. With his love of baseball and leadership skills, during the 60's he coached some fine baseball teams from Little League up to the town teams. He's known for an unending positive attitude and his ability to tell jokes and stories. He loved to go dancing and socialize with friends. He's been on many boards and committees, but the most notable were Western Dubuque School Board, where he was instrumental in the formation of the school district and building of the schools. He was a member of the Dyersville Hospital founding board which broke ground for what is now Mercy Medical Center, Dyersville. He was also the recipient of the Delaware County Distinguished Dairy Service Award, as well as Lion's Club Citizen of the Year. Laverne organized a group of farmers and businessmen in the purchase of the Witte Feed Mill in 1978. This group included his oldest son, John. Laverne had been overseeing the operations at the Petersburg Feed Mill for 30 years as the General Manager. Laverne often said, as he recalled the many events of his life, that his greatest accomplishment was in raising their 12 children with his beloved wife, Germaine. Friends may call from 12 - 8 p.m. Sunday, June 7, 2009, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville. Visitation will continue Monday morning from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Monday, June 8, 2009, at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg, Iowa with burial in the church cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. John O'Connor with Rev. Phil Kruse as concelebrant/homilist. Memorials are preferred.