Laverne G. Brantner
Laverne G. Brantner, age 79 of Plymouth, MN, formerly of Eau Galle, WI died peacefully Monday, January 2, 2017 at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, MN, with his family by his side.
Vern was born on April 23, 1937 in the Prissel Valley, Town of Canton, rural Durand. He was the son of Edward and Clara (Berger) Brantner. Vern grew up on the Brantner family farm and attended school at Sacred Heart in the Town of Lima. He joined the U.S. National Guard and served stateside, Vern was later Honorably Discharged. Vern married Angeline Bates on October 22, 1957 at St. Henry Catholic Church in Eau Galle. After marriage, they moved to Minneapolis in 1958 where Vern worked for Champion International as a printer. He was instrumental in creating their division, Champtone Pre-Print, where he served as plant manager. Vern retired in December of 1999. After retiring, Vern and Angie moved to Eau Galle where they lived on the lake. They lived there until September of 2016, when they moved to Plymouth, MN to be closer to family.
Vern enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and taking trips out west. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Eau Galle Sportsmen’s Club. Most of all, Vern loved spending time with family and friends.
Vern is survived by his wife of 59 years; Angie, five children; Patty (Tom) Ely of Long Lake, MN, Dennis of Soudan, MN, Bonnie Erickson of Watertown, MN, Cheryl (Rusty) Rothfus of Pleasantville, IA and Brian (Fiancé Keli) of Orono, MN, seven grandchildren; Joshua, Sarah (Dave), McKenzie, Nathan, Mathew (Mary), Amanda and Isaac, one great grandson; Colton, one brother; Francis (Diana) of Arkansaw, two sisters; Lou Schultz and Polly Schultz, both of Mondovi, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law; Wade Erickson, one brother; Leonard, one sister; Emma Molitor and two siblings in infancy.
Funeral Mass will be 11:00 AM Friday, January 6, 2017 at St. Henry Catholic Church in Eau Galle with Rev. Jerry Hoeser officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of services at the church on Friday.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.