LaVerne F. Sheeler

LaVerne Sheeler, 92, of Ackley, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Eldora Nursing and Rehab. He will be laid to rest with a family graveside inurnment at the Lindenwood Cemetery, Geneva. A luncheon for family and friends will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at the Ackley American Legion. Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory of Iowa Falls is caring for Coach Sheeler and his family. LaVerne Floyd Sheeler was born on September 7, 1932 to Floyd and Gladys (Elphic) Sheeler in Sioux City, Iowa. He graduated from Hampton Community Schools. LaVerne honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1954. He received his teaching degree from the Iowa Teacher’s College, (now known as UNI). On September 21, 1956 LaVerne was united in marriage to Lucille Deanna Koch at the United Methodist Church in Geneva, Iowa. To this union three daughters were born: Lucinda, Lynnette and Lorinda. Lucille passed away in 1977. LaVerne’s passion for education began early and he pursued it with dedication throughout his life. He started his teaching and coaching career in New Hartford from 1961-1963 then moved to Ackley-Geneva from 1963-1993, teaching a total of 32 years. On September 5, 1981 LaVerne was united in marriage to Jan (Janssen) Wessels at their home in Ackley, Iowa. LaVerne was an active leader in the Ackley community and involved in several organizations including, American Legion member for 35 years, 3 years as Commander and started the Sons of the American Legion Post 252. He was also a Lion’s Club member and the Lion’s Club Governor from 1983-1984. LaVerne enjoyed woodworking, collecting coins, rock hunting, gardening and was very competitive at card playing. After retiring from teaching, LaVerne and his wife Jan delivered the Waterloo Courier together. Spending time together as a couple and still working hard. Family was very important to him. He was a man who touched many lives and never met a stranger. LaVerne Sheeler is survived by his wife, Jan Sheeler of Ackley, Iowa; daughters, Cindy (Norm) Henricks of Ackley, Iowa, Lindy (Jerry) Brandt of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Lori (Anthony) Sheeler of North English, Iowa, Jodi (Jeff) Hesnard of Bradford, Iowa, Jami (Gary) Uhlenhopp of Ackley, Iowa; 14 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Bev Reysack of Morristown, Minnesota, Lynn (Ardis) Sheeler of Hampton, Iowa and Patti Wagner of Pea Ridge, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother and first wife, Lucille.

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LaVerne F. Sheeler

September 7, 1932 - January 12, 2025