LaVern Honomichl of South Hutchinson died February 26, 2015 at the age of 90. LaVern Leo, third child of Adolph and Anna (Nikodim) Honomichl was born December 17, 1924, in Osborn County near Lucas, Kansas. Living on a farm during his youth, he experienced the drought, dust storms and hard times of the 1930s. He attended rural elementary school in Osborne County and High School in Lucas, graduating in 1942. He experienced membership in 4-H club. He later studied at Salt City Business College in Hutchinson, Kansas.
Involved in farming until 1957, he then drove highway transport trucks for one year while living in Sterling. From 1959 until 1973, he lived in Larned, Kansas, and was bookkeeper for retail business firms. During that time he was employed for two years at Larned State Hospital as a psychiatric aide. In 1973 he moved to South Hutchinson and had employment as an office manager for Downtown Dodge auto dealer. Commencing in 1980, he worked at DMH Co. housing plant. He retired in 1986. He was associated with the Pineal Nazarene Church.
He first married Beatrice Brant Pike at McPherson. They divorced in 1964. Born to them were Gertrude (Trudy) Evelyn and Kevin Lee. December 30, 1972, he married Goldie Wedel Nease at Hutchinson. She died October 4, 2009.
Surviving him are daughter Trudy and husband Larry Racette of Allen, Texas; son Kevin and wife Dianne of De Soto, Kansas. Grandchildren Brian and wife Jennifer Racette of Valparaiso, Indiana; Julie and husband Daniel Rembold of Lucas, Texas; and, Mikolas Honomichl of De Soto, Kansas. Stepchildren Billy G. Pike and Betty Pike McGinnes of Great Bend, and Ralph Nease and Deanne Nease Coker of Hutchinson.
Also surviving are brother Adolph J. Honomichl and wife Darlene of Ellinwood, Kansas, and many cousins, nephews and nieces. Preceding him in death besides his parents were a brother, Edwin, and a sister, Evalyn Honomichl.
A former member of Fraternal Order of Eagles at Great Bend for 27 years, he was a member of ZCBJ Czech Lodge since 1947, first at Lucas and later at Wilson. In 1998 his lodge membership was transferred to Timken, Kansas. The name is now Western Fraternal Life Association. He was treasurer for that Lodge from December 1998 until 2001 at which time he was elected president until 2004. He again took the office of treasurer. He served as President of the Kansas State Meeting of the organization in 2000.
Visitation will be held from 5Pm to 9PM Tuesday at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home and Crematory, Hutchinson.
Burial will be in Lucas Kansas Cemetery.