Vernon LaBarge

Vernon LaBarge age 86 of Nashua, IA died Monday, February 10, 2020, at his home. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 14, 2020, at St. John Lutheran Church in Nashua with Rev. Charis Combs - Lay officiating. Interment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, Nashua at a later date. Honorary pallbearers are Samantha Jacobs, Sara Wrage, Ryan Hicok, Amber Clabaugh, Brandon Hicok, Amanda Hicok, Caitie Poland, Cody Brase, JR Dirksen, Laken Rodemaker, Arien North, and Sierra Dirksen. Friends may greet the family from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14, 2020, at the church prior to the service. Vernon Dennie LaBarge was born November 12, 1933, to Dennie and Bertha LaBarge. He lived in Nashua all of his life, graduating from Nashua Schools in 1952. Vern was extremely skilled and had a love for baseball and softball, which caught the attention of the Chicago White Sox. He was offered a tryout by the Whitesox, but Vern opted to stay in Nashua and marry his first wife, Patricia Goddard. To this union 4 children were born, Vickie, Debra, James, and Curtis. The couple later divorced. In 1966 Vern married the love of his life, Rosanna Flugge Hicok. Vern immediately became a father to Rose’s three young boys, Roger, Rodney, and Ricky. Together they welcomed Verna Rose, daughter to the clan. Vern started his lifetime of hard work as Truck Driver at the Clarence Jesperson hammer mill. In 1965 Vern started his career at White Farm where he worked for 28 years in the foundry. In addition to White Farm, Vern and Rose owned and operated the Champlin Station in Nashua from 1968-1971. Upon the closing of White Farm, Vern retired. Vern was not one that could sit at home, so began helping at the Nashua DX station and Lore’s Auto Repair. Vern’s joy in life was to spend time with Rosanna and his family. He especially enjoyed time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Watching them play sports was especially special to him. His love of baseball and softball particularly showed. Additionally, Vern enjoyed racing stock cars over the years. Vern and Rose enjoyed playing poker with family and friends or out on the dance floor where onlookers wished they could dance the polka half as well. Vern had a love for the Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Vikings and could be found in his recliner always cheering them on. Vern is survived by his wife, Rose of 53 years. His children, Vickie (Jeff) Alumbaugh of Cheyenne, WY, Roger (Barbara) Hicok of Clear Lake, IA, Rodney (Sandra) Hicok of Webster City, IA, Rick (Julie) Hicok of Nashua, IA, Verna (John) Dirksen of Dows, IA; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Harland (June) LaBarge, Clyde (Marcia) LaBarge. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Vern is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Helen (Harold) Hicok; brother, Roland (Pat) LaBarge; son, Curtis; grandson, Jesse. The family has requested casual dress in honor of Vernon’s wishes.