LaVern James Wedel died Feb. 1, 2018, in Newton.
He was born Oct. 25, 1962, in Newton to Lester and Delila Wedel.
He attended kindgarten at Potwin and grades one through eight at Elbing Grade School in Elbing. He then attended Remington High School in rural Whitewater, graduating in 1980 with the Good Citizenship Award. While attending high school, he worked summers on Jim Preheim and LaVern Stucky’s farm, doing whatever was asked of him. He joined VS in Akron in 1983 and spent three years on the MCC canner, canning meat for overseas and wherever tragedy struck. His canning buddies were Royce Krehbiel of Pretty Prairie and Maynard Yoder of Freeman, S.D. They always kept in touch. Now, with LaVern’s passing, the circle is unbroken.
Him Mom and Dad miss him every day and always will. He helped Mom with dishes every afternoon. Since he took two years of German in high school and Mom grew up speaking Pennsylvania Dutch, the time went by very fast and made the work enjoyable.
He was a gentle person who loved animals, especially the dogs and cats on the farm. He enjoyed music and was often whistling and singing as he went about his day.
One of his virtues was patience, which helped him in in his caregiving work. He took care of his grandparents as their health declined and was a huge help as his parents aged, as well.
LaVern was a member of Zion Mennonite Church. He served as worship leader and enjoyed participating in Sunday school.
In addition to his parents, other survivors are brother Lynn and sister-in-law Kathleen Wedel; sister Rachel and brother-in-law Todd Nicholson; nephew Lucas Nicholson; and extended family and friends.
Committal service was on Monday, Feb. 5, at Zion Mennonite Church.
Memorial contributions are established with Mennonite Central Committee and Zion Mennonite Church A/V Fund.
Lamb Funeral Home in Whitewater is in charge of arrangements.
