Lavern Tilkes
August 9, 1936 ~ February 12, 2025
Lavern Tilkes age 88 of New Hampton died Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Washington with Rev. James Goerend celebrating the Mass. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, North Washington with Dylan Joebgen, Wes Joebgen, Chris Landwehr, Matt Landwehr, Ryan Anderson and Holly Gettler serving as pallbearers.
Friends may greet the family from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton where there will be a 7:00 p.m. parish scripture service. Visitation continues an hour prior to the Mass on Tuesday at the church.
Lavern was born August 9, 1936, in North Washington, Iowa, Lavern grew up in a close-knit community, attending North Washington Schools and working for many local farmers. He also spent time working at Haberly’s Hatchery in New Hampton before beginning his long and dedicated career with Chickasaw County in 1959.
Lavern’s life was forever changed when Connie Roethler asked him to her senior prom—a moment that sparked a lifelong love story. The couple was married on September 10, 1960, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Washington. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four daughters: Micki, Tammy, Denise, and Dawn.
Lavern took great pride in his work on the road crew for Chickasaw County, always enjoying his time on the job, especially when plowing snow. Even after a life-altering accident in 1989 led to the loss of his leg and an early retirement, Lavern’s spirit remained strong and determined. Retirement did not slow him down—he continued to embrace life with enthusiasm and joy. He loved hunting, fishing, and playing the concertina, an instrument he taught himself to play. Lavern also cherished playing cards, going to dances, going on tractor rides and his favorite pastime was going to a casino, always finding happiness in simple pleasures and the company of loved ones.
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Sorry for the loss of your loved one.
Our sympathy to the family
Connie and family, you have my empathy in the passing of your loved one, Lavern. May his soul rest in peace.
Connie and family, extending our most heartfelt sympathy to all of you. May he Rest In Peace. 🙏
Connie and family, extending our most heartfelt sympathy to all of you. May he Rest In Peace. 🙏
Connie, you and your family have my deepest sympathy. When I lived by you, one winter Lavern helped me snow blow the end of my driveway when I couldn’t get it done. Great neighbor! Hugs and prayers 🙏
Ovey and I are saddened to hear of LaVernes passing. Ovey has so many good memories working with him for years. He was one of a kind! RIP Tilke Sympathies go out to Connie and family🙏🙏💔
You all have my sympathy. May he Rest in Peace!
My deepest sympathy to the whole family! Many fond memories of such a wonderful guy!
Connie and family so sorry for your loss!
My sincere sympathy to the Tilkes family. A few years back sure did enjoy the early morning coffee, with conversation with Lavern.
Connie and family, so sad to hear of Vernie’s passing. What a great guy. Always had a smile.
Connie,my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Vern was a hardworking good man
Connie and family, I’m so sorry to hear this. I always think of what good neighbors Lavern-and all of you-were to grandpa and grandma Dockendorf. What a blessing to grow up in a small town with neighbors that looked out for each other. You are all in my prayers.
Connie and family our sincere condolences.
A great man to have known and memories to cherish. RIP with the Lord.
Louise and DonnnHarris
Sorry to hear of Vernie passing, many good memories with him, you are all in my prayers
Connie and family, So sorry to hear of Vernie’s passing. We enjoyed many conversations with Vernie at Jim’s Grocery. Lots of good memories. Our thoughts and prays are with you all during this difficult time.
Jim and Dixie
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Connie and Family, You all have our deepest sympathy.
Connie and family, sympathy to all.
My sympathy to you, Connie, and your family. Prayers. 🙏🙏
MY sympathy to the family.
So sorry for the loss–MANY many memories Mike has being with Vernie on the “Count” and North Washington–Our thoughts are with you Connie and the girls–Mike and Deb Tenge
Sending prayers to his family. May his memories be yours today. Jeanne and David Roder
Connie and family. Our sympathy to you. Always friendly and pleasant to be around. I remember him combining beans for me a couple of times. RIP. Gary and Connie Kuehn
Connie
I enjoyed listening to Laverne and the fellas around the table during coffee time at Klunders when I visiting dad. Our prayers go out to your family. Bob & Jenny Mikota
Connie and family, you have my sympathy.
Lavern always had a pleasant smile. I’m sorry for your loss.
Our condolences to the Tilkes family. May the memories hold you close during this difficult time.