May 24, 2016

LaVern Broe

LaVern Broe, 82, of Watford City, N.D., died peacefully at his Watford City residence, surrounded by family on Thursday afternoon, May 19, 2016.
LaVern was born on April 11, 1934, to parents Martin and Luella (Nygaard) Broe in Williston, N.D.
LaVern attended Webster Elementary, both junior high and high school in Williston, N.D. He was a part of the class of 1952.
During his youth he held numerous jobs including Williston Herald paper boy, Great Plains Lumber, farm hand for Uncle Bennie, gas station attendant, and many construction jobs.
LaVern enlisted in the USAF Feb. 19, 1953, training sent him to Lackland Texas, Air Force Base. During his 22 ½ year Air Force career he was stationed in 21 various bases, including one year overseas in Guam. His position was a crew chief on a B47. This started his never ending love for airplanes. Some of his Air Force time also included being a job controller while stationed in Minot, N.D.
On Sept 18, 1954, LaVern married the love of his life, Janet Iverson, in Las Vegas, Nev.
They made their first home in Riverside, Calif. They followed the Air Force for many years while moving several times and having many places to call home.
Along those roads while stationed in Lincoln, Neb. their three wonderful children were born Cheryl, Teresa and Tim. They all joined the traveling Air Force family. LaVern was a great family man and decided to enjoy his family a little more with retiring from the Air Force on July 31, 1974, in Minot, N.D.
After retirement LaVern joined the workforce with many jobs including a janitor at Watford City Elementary School, Boeing, carpentry, and construction. Anything to keep his hands busy.
He attended UND Williston where he earned some college credits and certificates. While he attended UND,  Jan and LaVern were house parents at “Pop’s” house. From there, together they became site managers at Upper Missouri Ministries. Through all of LaVern’s travels with the Air Force and numerous jobs, Williston was always a place he called HOME.
In his spare time he enjoyed designing airplanes and various wood projects. Jan was his painter. When LaVern was 65, he built his very own airplane although it never left the ground, it provided many hours of busy labor and stories we still tell today.
He had a very large display of airplanes in which were all settled on a homemade runway with lights and all. Anybody who came to visit was asked to sign the guest book and invited to see his airplanes. He has the full collection of Hallmark planes that is no longer available in stores.
He is a member of 1st Lutheran Church, VFW, American Legion Post 37, and the 98th Bomb Group Veterans Association.
LaVern was a very devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed following his own children around in their youth and the pitter patter of all the grandkids and great-grandkids always left a smile on his face. We all knew what time of day it was by what meal we just finished, ME HUNGRY!!!!
He is survived by his wife, Jan of 62 years; daughter, Cheryl (Wes) Faulkner of Watford City, N.D. and their daughters Danielle (Darin) Wold of Glendive, Mont. and Melanie (Colt) Rangen of Watford City, N.D.; daughter, Teresa (Terry) Elam of Belt Mont. and their children Heather (Mason) Holley of Ashland, Ky., Karlie (Garrick) Goodheart of Colstrip, Mont., and Ryan Elam also of Colstrip; son, Tim (Kim) Broe of Missoula, Mont. and their children Crystal Bolken of Puyallup, Wash., Alicia (Dan) McLaughlin of Marysville, Wash., and Kayla and Maddie Broe all of Missoula, Mont. LaVern is also survived by six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews; and all the little ones that call him PAPA.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Luella Broe; and sister, Bev Scoggin.
His funeral service was held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at the First Lutheran Church in Watford City, N.D. Pastor Rob Favorite officiated and interment followed at the Riverview Cemetery, Williston, N.D.
Friends called at the church on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, one hour prior to services.
Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Williston is assisted the family.
Friends may sign the on-line register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com

WATFORD CITY WEATHER