LaVern Anthony Reiter, 87, of Dubuque, Iowa, was called home on Sunday January 21st, 2024, at Luther Manor Communities – Hillcrest.

Private services for the immediate family will be held. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, IA is assisting the family.

LaVern was born August 9th, 1936, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Leo and Esther (Francen) Reiter. LaVern, also known as Vern, worked at the Dubuque Packing Company for over 40 years until his retirement.

He married the love of his life Gayle Seitz on Thanksgiving Day November 26th, 1959, at Church of the Nativity. Together they celebrated 64 beautiful years.

In LaVern’s younger years he was a master roller skater, who loved to show off his skills at the Point Roller Rink at the end of Rhomberg. He could be found fishing, collecting walnuts with his good friend Morrie, wood working, baking, or enjoying a good ole Western movie with country music.

LaVern loved food and never missed a good meal. He spent his days with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also enjoyed spending time on his sisters farm with his niece Ann and her children.

He is survived by his wife Gayle, his children Kathy (Kevin) Weber, Connie (Jim) Benn, Jeff (Trudy) Reiter and Kelly (Chris) Smith, grandchildren Lindsey, Kris, Jacob, Ashley, Kara, Gabbi, Andy, Alex, Chloe and Olivia, great grandchildren Estella, Jack, Viviann, Aurora, Emmeline and Scarlett, and his sisters Virginia Lyons and Carol Ann Godwin.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Esther Reiter, his twin brother LeRoy, and siblings Merlin, Janann, Orveta, Jeanette, Anna May, Jim Powers, Marion and Homer Jewell.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for the comfort and care, and Luther Manor for taking care of him for his last year of life.