LaVerne Ralph Blakestad, 86, of Austin, died at Adams Healthcare Center early Monday morning, Feb. 11, 2008. He was born at home March 30, 1921, to Raymond and Tilleen (Keilman) Blakestad in Bristow, Iowa. The family moved to Minnesota and resided in Lyle and Hayfield. LaVerne graduated from Austin High School in 1939. He served in World War II from 1942 to 1945, stationed in England. He married Mae Voigt in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Oct. 3, 1942. After the war, he returned to Austin where he became a Hormel employee. He belonged to Fellowship United Methodist Church and VFW Post 1216. After 32 years at Hormel&8217;s, LaVerne retired in 1980. Mae died on Oct. 13, 1981. LaVerne continued to enjoy playing cards with family and friends, fishing, boating, building bird houses, visiting with people and going out for coffee.

Survivors include sister-in-law, Frances Blakestad of Albert Lea; nieces. Carol Blakestad, Cathy (Curt) Rebelein and Cindy (Roger) Beinhorn; nephew, John (Susan) Engen; great nieces and nephews, great, great nieces and nephew; special friend, Caroline Neve of Austin. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond in 1984; mother, Tilleen in 1993; brother, Roger in 1996 and his wife, Mae in 1981.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin with the Rev. Dennis Tamke officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Geneva Cemetery with military rites by VFW Post 1216.