Carl Lavern Brue

Carl LaVern Brue, the son of Carl T. and Mathilda (Knudson) Brue, was born on November 9, 1922, in rural Irwin, Iowa. He graduated from Irwin High School in 1940. LaVern served as a member of the United States Military Police in Germany from August, 1945, through January, 1947. After World War II, he returned to Irwin, where he farmed and raised livestock south of town. On August 23, 1975, LaVern married Lorene M. Steckelberg at his Irwin home. He retired in the early 1980’s and spent time fishing in Canada and traveling in the United States (including Hawaii) and in Europe.

LaVern was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irwin. He enjoyed sitting on his front porch and watching the activity on Irwin’s Main Street. He often simply raised his index finger as a gesture of recognition. LaVern also liked to play Pinochle.

LaVern Brue died on Sunday, July 18, 2004, at Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Harlan, Iowa, at the age of 81 years, 8 months, and 9 days.

Preceding LaVern in death were his parents; one brother, Harold Brue; and one sister, Norma Barratt. He is survived by his wife, Lorene Brue of Manilla, Iowa; three daughters, Vivian Arnold of Harlan, Iowa, Diane (Wally) Lenczowski of Omaha, Nebraska, and Roxie (Frank) Miranda of Las Vegas, Nevada; one brother, Bill (Peggy) Brue of Irwin, Iowa; one sister, Mildred Greiner of Audubon, Iowa; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 22, 2004, at the Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa, with Pastor Ron Rasmussen of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Irwin, Iowa, officiating. Serving as musicians were Milton and Ruth Ann Barry. Casket bearers were Steven M. Barratt, Larry Knudson, Kurt D. Brue, Jay A. Brue, Lester Steckelberg, and Wally Lenczowski. Burial was in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Irwin, Iowa. The Burmeister-Johannsen Funeral Home in Harlan was in charge of the arrangements.