LaVern A. Pfiffner, age 91, of Dubuque, was called home peacefully at 3:30 p.m., on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at Dubuque Specialty Care. To honor LaVern’s life, funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, March 19, 2018, at St. Anthony’s Church, 1880 Saint Ambrose Street, with Rev. Steven J. Rosonke officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is in charge of arrangements.

LaVern was born on May 2, 1926, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Phillip and Catherine (Wolter) Pfiffner.

LaVern was proud to have been born, raised and live in Dubuque his entire life. He honorably served his country with the U.S. Navy during WWII, as an electrician. Upon his return home, LaVern would diligently put those skills to good use at the Dubuque Packing Company, FDL Foods, and finally at the Dubuque Greyhound Park, until his well earned retirement. When LaVern wasn’t working, he could easily be found catching up with his favorite reading material of the week, listening to a little music while relaxing, or extensively traveling the globe in search of his next great memory. LaVern also had a fulfilling home life and was united in marriage to the love of his life, Kathleen Murphy, on July 12, 1947, in Dubuque. The couple was blessed with 40 years together, and 4 children, before she was sadly called home ahead of him on June 30, 1987. Thankfully, LaVern would find love again with Veronica Thill Steuer, and the 2 were united in marriage on May 12, 1990. Sadly, she was also called home ahead of him earlier this year on January 19, 2018. LaVern was a faith filled man who was a long-time member of St. Anthony’s Church and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. We are saddened today at the sudden departure of LaVern from our earthly lives, but we give thanks for the 91 wonderful years the Lord was kind enough to share LaVern with us and we will surely treasure all of the memories he leaves behind until we meet again.

Those left to cherish LaVern’s memory include

his children,
Robert (Ann) Pfiffner, Long Grove, IA,
Linda Krabacher-Bennett, East Dubuque, IL,
Kathy (Alan) Ernzen, Dubuque, IA
and James (Michelle) Pfiffner, Davenport, IA;

8 grandchildren,
Lisa (Russ) Hoerner, John (Ressie) Krabacher, Amy Soppe, J.C. (Nellie) Pfiffner, Zach (Megan) Pfiffner, Katie (Justin) Pfiffner, Rachel (Joey) Moeller and Anna (John) Pfiffner;

12 great-grandchildren,
Bryce, Alex (Dana), Kayla, John Carlos, Lexi, Alexandria, Addy, Judy, Iris, Wyatt, Mason and Adler;

his nephews and niece;
Patrick Glynn,
Michael (Laura) Glynn,
and Susan Erickson;

his step-children,
Donna VonFumetti, San Diego, CA
and Terrance (Linda) Steuer, Dubuque;

10 step-grandchildren;

12 step-great-grandchildren;

and a step-son-in-law,
Homer Weber, Cuba City, WI.

LaVern was preceded in death by his parents; his 1st wife, Kathleen Murphy; his 2nd wife, Veronica Pfiffner; a son-in-law, Jack Bennett; a grandson-in-law, Todd Soppe; a step-daughter, Janice Weber; and a step-son-in-law, Gary VonFumetti.

A LaVern A. Pfiffner memorial fund has been established, which will be distributed among his favorite charities.

LaVern’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Dubuque Specialty Care for all of the kind, compassionate and professional care of Lavern, and his family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com