LaVern D. Willer

LaVern D. "Bud" Willer of Sioux City died Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007, at Indian Hills Nursing and Rehab Center.

The body was cremated. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

LaVern was born Sept. 12, 1922, in Moville, Iowa, the son of Jack and Ada (Thomas) Willer. He attended Climbing Hill country school in Climbing Hill, Iowa. He served his country with the U.S. Army during World War II, receiving the Purple Heart Medal. He had resided in Sioux City since 1965 and prior to that in Moville.

He married Kereen Bollin. He later married Lucille Bellis on Feb. 26, 1972, in Elk Point, S.D. She preceded him in death in February 1993 in Sioux City.

He was a mechanic at various manufacturing companies from 1948 to 1973. In 1973, he went to work for Zenith, where he worked until his retirement in 1978.

He enjoyed fishing and dancing. He also liked drinking beer with his friends.

Survivors include two sons, Perry (MaryAnn) Willer of Colfax, Calif., and John Willer of Sioux City; a daughter, Robin (Leonard) Tanner of Jefferson, S.D.; a stepson, Robert Bellis of McCook Lake, S.D.; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Forrest (Helen) Willer of Ventura, Calif.; and a sister, Beverly (Don) Bleil of Kingsley, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and a sister, Betty Hill.