LaVern Isely, age 89, of Monroe passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at Pleasant View Nursing Home.  He was born July 3, 1934 in Jordan Center, Wisconsin, the son of Ralph Isely and Helen (Voegeli Isely) Keefer.  He attended Jordan Center School.  After school LaVern enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on April 1, 1955.  During his time in Air Force LaVern took and passed his GED test.  After graduating from Electronics School at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi as a Radar Maintenance person, he was stationed at Chanute AFB in Rantoul, Ill.  He served a year in Korea from 1957 to 1958; until his honorable discharge in December, 1958.  While in the Air Force he attained the rank of Airman 1st Class. 

LaVern married Linda Coole on September 19, 1959 in Monroe, WI.  Together they dairy farmed in Blanchardville and Albany for 20 years; retiring to Monroe March, 1980.  He enjoyed his years on the farm.  Over the years he wrote many letters to the editor, other articles to magazines, letters to politicians, as well as being active in politics and participating in radio call-in shows.  LaVern also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, taking walks with his wife, and the Balloon Rally.  He and his wife, Linda both enjoyed using the Monroe Public Library because education is an ongoing process.  Over the years, they also enjoyed some traveling. When his daughter was in the Army, stationed in Germany, LaVern and Linda spent three weeks in Europe.  LaVern was a former member of Common Cause, Public Citizen and the NFO.  He was also a lifetime member of the VFW Post 2312 in Monroe. 

He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Laura Isely (Norman Pratt) of Brodhead; two grandsons, Eric and Phillip Boyd; two step-grandsons, Kenneth and Arron Pratt; sister, Delores “Tessie” Bernet of Monroe; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father and step-mother, Ralph and Arlene Isely; his mother and step-father, Helen and Charles Keefer; brother, Allen (Betty) Isely; sister, Juanita (Fred) Brandt; and brother-in-law, Alvin Bernet.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home with Pastor Mary Gafner officiating.  Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery with Military Honors. 

A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2024 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM with a continued visitation on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home.  Condolences may be sent to the family at: shriner111.com. 

LaVern will be sadly missed.