NEW GLARUS – LaVern K. Wells, age 80, passed away Friday, March 8, at the Monroe Clinic Hospital. He was born April 13, 1938, in Richland County, to Keith and Alta (Fuller) Wells. “Chub” as he was known since childhood, attended school in Cazenovia, WI, and was a member of the first graduating class of the newly formed Weston High School, in 1956. Chub married Harriet Dix, August 10, 1973, at First United Church of Christ, Colby, WI. They lived in New Glarus their entire married life. He was a member of Swiss United Church of Christ. Chub drove semi for 37 years for Certified Grocers, which later became known as Certco, Inc., in Madison, retiring in May 2000. He was a former member of the 44th General Hospital Army Reserve Unit out of Madison. He was also a charter member of both the Mt. Vernon Valley Riders Snowmobile Club and the tug of war team sponsored by Virgil’s Valley Inn. Chub's main hobby was working on cars, maintaining and restoring classic cars. He loved spending time up north at the cabin in Birchwood, WI. Summers were filled with projects including cutting down trees with the neighbors, and doing some landscaping, or enjoying afternoon rides in the jeep, looking for antiques or other things of interest, and stopping for a beer at some little country bar where he could visit with the locals. Another favorite was boating with family and friends on the various lakes surrounding Birchwood. Chub was very proud of his daughters, and loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren who always brightened his day. His girls kept Dad busy with building bookshelves and toy chests, and helping out with their other requests. He also found enjoyment in watching his grandkids in their various activities.
Survivors include his wife, Harriet, New Glarus, and daughters Kendra (Matt Wittenwyler) Wirth, Monticello, and Kari (Ryan) Niemeyer, Oregon, along with his grandchildren Carter John and Karci Rae Wirth, and Brynn Emily and Nora Pauline Niemeyer. Brothers and sisters include: Erma (Len) Bauer of Cazenovia, Harold (Jeanne) Wells, Richland Center, Jack (Rosa) Wells of DeLand, FL, Phyllis (Fritz) Weiss, Winthrop Harbor, IL, and Ed (Trinda) Wells of Richland Center. He is further survived by two sisters-in-law, Sue Dix of Holcombe and Karen Dix, Edgar. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 15, 2019 at the Swiss United Church of Christ, 18 Fifth Ave., New Glarus, WI with the Rev. Kim Moeller officiating.
A gathering of relatives and friends will precede the memorial service from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the church on Friday.
The Zentner-Beal Funeral Home of New Glarus is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Chub’s name.
An online memorial with guestbook is available at www.bealfuneralhomes.com
