October 29, 1939 – October 1, 2025
LaVerne “Swede” Russell Lee 85, of Fertile, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of October 1, 2025.
A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the Fertile Church of Christ, 3493 Eagle Ave., with Pastor Kenny Olson officiating. Burial will take place at Grant Township Cemetery. Following the burial, LaVerne’s family will greet friends from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. at the church.
LaVerne was born October 29, 1939, in Polk County, Iowa, the son of Bert B. and Arlene (McAuley) Lee. He spent his early years on the family farm near Madrid before moving with his family to rural Clear Lake in 1941, where he attended country school Lincoln #3.
In 1949, LaVerne contracted polio and spent his 10th birthday in the hospital in Iowa City. The family later moved to a farm outside Fertile in 1950, where he attended Fertile School, graduating with the Class of 1958. As a young man, LaVerne was active in 4-H and FFA. During his senior year of high school he began farming renting his first farm.
In 1961, he met Susanna Vierkant at the roller rink in Clear Lake, and the two were united in marriage December of 1962. Together they were blessed with five daughters: Theresa, Marilyn, Michelle, Barbara, and Arlene.
Farming was LaVerne’s true passion. He especially loved raising sheep, spending many long nights in the barn during lambing season. He sold the last of his flock this past spring at the age of 85. In 2009, he was recognized as a Top 10 Quality Pork Producer with Niman Ranch. LaVerne also gave generously of his time and talents to his community.
Over the years, he served as Cerro Gordo NFO Chairman, Grant Township Trustee, Grant Cemetery sexton, Deacon at the Fertile Church of Christ, and President of the NCS Coop Board. He also worked off the farm selling Conklin Products, Funk’s Seed, and completing tiling work, in addition to running the NFO Collection in Hanlontown.
Though farming kept him busy, LaVerne cherished the memorable trip he took with his brothers to the Boundary Waters. He enjoyed telling stories of his childhood adventures with his siblings, playing 500, and most of all, being a grandfather—rocking his grandchildren to sleep at nap time was among his greatest joys.
A man of strong faith and humility, LaVerne lived a life of generosity, often giving to others quietly, without seeking recognition.
He is survived by his wife, Susanna Lee; daughters, Theresa (Dan) Thomas, Marilyn (Jeff) Inman, Michelle (Tom) De La Riva, Barbara (Matt) Lenning, and Arlene (Darin) Enderton; grandchildren, Katie, Rachel, Angela, Ashley, Elizabeth, Natalee, Caleb, Gabe, and Merritt; great-grandchildren, Zoey, Hunter, Kennedy, and Blake; siblings, Donna (Dennis) Olson, Gail (Larry) Shopshire, Darwin (Marti) Lee, Connie (Craig) Suby, and Dennis (Mary) Lee; brother-in-law, Dwaine Asche; sister-in-law, Connie Vierkant; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Arlene Lee; infant brother, Raymond Lee; brother, Ronald Lee; sister, Janice Asche; sister-in-law, Linda Lee; and brother-in-law, James Vierkant.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428.
colonialchapels.com