Laverne Bear

LaVerne J. (Yogi) Bear, 77 of Marshalltown, died peacefully on November 8, 2015 at his home and in the care of the Iowa River Hospice Home Services for LaVerne will be held on Wednesday November 11, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Visitation will be on Tuesday November 10 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the family. For more information or to send a condolence please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234. Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for LaVerne and his family. LaVerne was born in Lemons, Missouri on May 20, 1938 to Raymond and Lucille Wilks Bear. He lived on a farm and got his education from the rural schools graduating from high school in Green City, Missouri in 1955. He moved to Iowa where he was employed by Fisher Controls for 40 years before taking early retirement in 1995 as a maintenance foreman. He worked various part time jobs until he could get his S.S, driving a limo, working for the bank and he worked three years as a security officer at Meskwaki Casino. As a member of Local 893, he served as 1st Vice President, Chairman of the Pac, departmental steward and on various committees. He also served as 1st Ward Councilman in the mid-60s. He was Vice President and President of the Central Iowa Square Dance Club, treasurer of the Central Iowa Snow Mobile Club, member of Fisher 25 Year Club and the 50 Year Club. LaVerne was a Moose Lodge #313 member for approximately 45 years serving as an officer and other committees. He served in the Iowa National Guard and the Army Reserves with an honorable discharge in 1963 as a SP5 (E-5). LaVerne is survived by his wife of 49 years Lucille. Daughter Sue (David) Forrest of Marshalltown. Grandchildren: Shelbe, Whitney, Kelsey, Josh, Dillon and Logan. Great grandchildren Jeremiah and Maverick. Brother Gene (Karen) Bear of Saratoga, Arkansas, sister in law Ellie Owens of Kansas City and nephews Troy and Todd Bear. LaVerne is preceded in death by his son Lane Bear, parents, grandparents, nephew Mark Dahms and many aunts and uncles.