Obituary of LaVerne Everett Johnson

LaVerne (Vern) Everett Johnson, Retired Captain, United States Marine Corps, went to be with the Lord Jesus on Sunday, December 6, 2020. Vern was born In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, August 25th,1929. He was 91 years old, the first born of ten siblings. He married his loving wife of 70 years, Frances Gueldner “Fran” on June 17, 1950. He is survived by Frances and his five children, Gary (Ann) Johnson, Steven (Jill) Johnson, Connolyn “Connie” (Ernie) Blackwell, Randal “Randy” Johnson, Bryan (Linda) Johnson, his 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grand children, three remaining siblings, Donald (Diane) Johnson, Joyce (Stan) Davidson and Carol (Tom) Strassman, and numerous nieces and nephews. Vern was a very proud 23-year Marine Corps Veteran, who served two tours in the Korean War and two tours in Vietnam, 13 months each tour. When he retired from the military he had a second career as a corporate executive with Military Rental, Inc. After retiring from corporate life, he worked with his nephew Richard Hanson, in his fencing business in Salinas, California, before his retirement finally stuck and he relocated to Lake Havasu City, Arizona in 1997. Vern and Frances traveled the country in their motorhome on lengthy vacations for many years, visiting friends and family and square dancing, which they both thoroughly enjoyed. He furnished his home with several furniture pieces of his own creation. He loved to work in his backyard workshop. Vern was a member of the Marine Corps League, the Elks Lodge, and the American Legion in Lake Havasu City. He was a member of the Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Lake Havasu City where he was well respected for his faithfulness, generosity and quiet leadership. A memorial service will be held at Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Lake Havasu City, AZ, complete with military color guard, on February 27, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Our hearts are heavy for our loss, but we know that he's enjoying the eternity and joy that God has promised all believers. We celebrate his life and the influence he had on us of being responsible, accountable, and remaining in faith until God calls all of us to our heavenly home with our Lord Jesus. With our eternal love, rest in peace Dad. Services were entrusted to the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. To send a free card go to www.sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze.