LaVern Fredrick Van Vleet was born on July 31, 1928 in Genoa, Nebraska to Vern and Carrie (Dolan) Van Vleet. He grew up in Gibbon and Kearney, where he attended Kearney High School. As a young boy, Vern helped with farm chores and field work. In addition to enjoying the company of his brothers and sisters, he spent a great deal of time hunting and fishing along the Platte River with his brother Don. Vern married Tillie Trompke on December 31, 1948 at the Methodist Church in Minden, Nebraska and to this union four sons were born: Daniel, Ronald, Michael and David. Vern and Tillie came to Omaha shortly after they were married and moved to the acreage near Waterloo in November of 1972. Vern worked for Armour and Company as an electrician for 15 years before starting his own business – Pioneer Lawn and later added a tree nursery. Vern and Tillie became charter members of Elkhorn Hills United Methodist Church. The family enjoyed camping trips and Vern was a master at the Barbeque. Vern was a friendly, caring, understanding man who worked hard all of his life. He would not tolerate tardiness, the boys remembered that “on time” was ten minutes early. He could often be heard saying “If you want it done right, do it yourself” and “If you are going to do it, do it right”. Vern passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at his home in Valley, with his family by his side at the age of 84 years, 11 months and 13 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Vern and Carrie, Brothers Don and Bobbie and grandson Chad. He is survived by his wife Tillie; sons and daughters-in-law Daniel and Denise of Valley, Ronald and Lisa of Ft. Calhoun, NE, Michael and Carrie of Omaha and David of Waterloo, NE; 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; sisters Betty Reeves of Omaha, Bonnie Burton of Pleasanton, NE and Beverly Marlatt of Chadron, NE. Van Vleet, Vern “Hap” age 84 of Valley, NE Survived by wife Tillie; sons and daughters-in-law Daniel and Denise of Valley, Ronald and Lisa of Ft. Calhoun, Michael and Carrie of Omaha and David of Waterloo; 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; sisters Betty Reeves of Omaha, Bonnie Burton of Pleasanton, NE and Beverly Marlet of Chadron, NE; Gathering with the family Sunday from 6 to 8 at the funeral home; Memorial Service Monday 10 AM at Elkhorn Hills United Methodist Church. Private interment. Memorials to Methodist Hospice or Camp Fontenelle; Condolences to www.reichmuthfuneralhomes.com Reichmuth Funeral Home 21901 W. Maple Rd. 402-289-2222