Laverne Rowland Burck

LaVerne Rowland Burck, age 59, passed away July 28, 2016 at the Hospice with Heart Hospice House in Glenwood. He was born on September 8, 1956 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to John and Esther (Petersen) Burck. He grew up on a farm that had been a part of his family since the 1870's, and was a farmer all of his life. Even at a young age LaVerne worked on the farm. He would come home from school and work along side his father, only taking a short break for his favorite cartoon, and then would go back out until the work for the day was done. After graduating from Lewis Central High School in 1975, LaVerne attended Iowa State University for a short time, but missed the farm so much he returned home. He farmed with his parents until their passing, and has continued on with the family tradition until the present day. As a farmer, LaVerne was a perfectionist. He was the first in the field in the Spring, and the first one done harvesting in the fall. He kept up on new technology and adapted new methods and equipment as they became available. He expanded his farming operations and leased other ground. To supplement his income he also drove a truck for 30 years, hauling cattle or other commercial loads to various destinations across the country. He worked hard and did what he had to do to continue farming. A friend recently sent a text stating "LaVerne has always set the standard for farming, his fields are always the best looking in the area. He is considered the best". He was preceded in death by his parents. LaVerne is survived by his daughter, Jessica Reis and husband, Beau; special friend, Sherry Coyer; sister, Janet Hartman and husband Kevin, niece, Ryan Turner; cousin, Charles Petersen; other relatives and many friends. Visitation is 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home. Funeral service is 10:00 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Interment is in the Plumer Settlement Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Hospice with Heart.