Lavern George Bieker, age 75, of McCook, NE passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE.

Lavern was born October 29, 1945 to parents Martin and Josephine (Jegan) Bieker on the family farm near Grainfield, KS. He was one of three children who attended school in Hoxie, KS, graduating from Hoxie High School with the Class of 1963.  Following high school, Lavern proudly served his country in the United States Army where he earned a Purple Heart during his tour in Vietnam.

On November 30, 1968, Lavern married Kathleen (Holzmeister) Bieker at Angelus, KS. The couple was blessed with four wonderful children.  The family made their home in the Hoxie area until 1982 when they moved to Hayes Center, NE.  Lavern worked in grain management for several years before starting his own business, Bieker Welding, in Hayes Center. He later moved the business to McCook.

Lavern was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, a lifetime member of the 11th Armored Calvary’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as a member of St. Patrick’s Church. He served on the Hayes Center School Board and was a commander for the American Legion.  Lavern was also the Veteran’s Service Officer for many years in Hayes County.

Welding and fabrication were Lavern’s pride and joy.  He spent numerous hours in his shop just tinkering.

Lavern was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Josephine Bieker; his father and mother in law, Lawrence (Frances) Holzmeister and bother in law, William Mask.

Those left to celebrate his life include his wife of almost 52 years, Kathleen Bieker of McCook; sons, Lester (Traci) Bieker, Leelan (Maria) Bieker and Jason Bieker and friend Emily Perry, all of McCook; daughter, Collete Guynan of North Platte, NE; brother, Lawrence Bieker of Hoxie, KS; sister, Loretta Mask of Russell, KS; six grandchildren, six great grandchildren and a host of extended family member and lifelong friends.