LaVern Wetgen, 99, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Sunday, July 30, 2023, at his home in Columbus.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, August 4 at 10:30 AM, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus with Rev. Ollie Fullmer officiating.  Interment will be in Columbus Cemetery.  Visitation will on Friday from 9:30 AM until service time at the church.  Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or the donor's choice.

LaVern was born on September 5, 1923, in rural Platte County to Walter F. Wetgen and Elsie (Krause) Wetgen.  He attended rural School District 72, a one room schoolhouse, and Kramer High School in Columbus.  He was born, raised, and farmed on the farm homesteaded by his Great Grandfather Johann Wetgen.

He married Merna (Mert) Ingold on August 8, 1954, at Trinity Lutheran Church.  Together they farmed and raised their family, Sondra, and Larry.  In 1981 they built a house near Columbus and retired.  On July 12, 1989, the family was honored by the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben for continued ownership and farming a farm for 100 years.

LaVern enjoyed traveling with his family throughout the 48 states and southern Canada from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean.   He enjoyed all of Nebraska's and Lakeview's sports, NASCAR, and dancing.  When he was young, he enjoyed bowling, playing softball, and hunting, especially coyotes.  He also enjoyed refinishing old furniture.

LaVern is survived by -
Son - Larry (Rhonda) Wetgen of Columbus, Nebraska
Son-in-law - Darrell Sedlacek of Columbus, Nebraska
Grandson - Sean (Nicole) Wetgen of Platte Center, Nebraska
Granddaughter - Sara (Jason) Yates of Hickman, Nebraska
Great Grandchildren - Trevor, Brooklyn, and Colton Wetgen of Platte Center, Nebraska; And Kaden Yates of Hickman, Nebraska
Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law- Paul (Sue) Ingold of Ashton, Nebraska
Many nephews and nieces

LaVern was preceded in death by -
Parents - Walter F. and Elsie Wetgen
Wife - Merna (Mert) Wetgen
Daughter - Sondra Wetgen Sedlacek
Sister and Brother-in-law - Evangeline (Vangie) and Clarence Reick
Brother and Sister-in-laws - Melvin and Vernetta Wetgen and Delores Wetgen
Nephews - Curtis Rieck and Wayne Wetgen
Great Niece - Kelly Wetgen (Wayne's daughter)
Father and Mother-in-law - Fred and Martha Ingold
Brother-in-law - Jack Ingold
Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law - Donald and Gladys Ingold
Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law - Fred Jr. and Genie Ingold