Laverne C. Lafler

SENECA FALLS- It is with great sadness that the family of Laverne C. Lafler announce his passing in the early hours of March 13, 2023.

Although our hearts are saddened with our loss, we feel great joy and comfort in the knowledge that he is reunited with his wife, Elaine J. Lafler, of 65 years; after just 33 days separated by Heaven and Earth. They were never far from each other here in this life, so it comes as no surprise that he followed her quickly into Eternity.

Laverne was born on July 12, 1932, in Wayland, N.Y. to Lawrence and Valeta (Page) Lafler. He grew up in Seneca Falls and was a graduate of Mynderse Academy in 1951. He spoke fondly of his high school years where he was class Vice President and often talked of his football days and boys state alternate. After high school Laverne worked on the family farm. His heart never strayed from his love of farming and throughout his life you would often find him after work helping his friends plow or tending his garden. He used his garden to provide food for his family and always shared the fruits of his labor with friends and people throughout the community. Laverne joined the Marine Corps where he served from 1954- 1957. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was extremely proud of his service to the United States of America. His favorite deployment was Okinawa, Japan, and he loved to share stories of his travels around the world. In September of 2018, Laverne took part in Honor Flight: Mission 61 out of Rochester, N.Y. This trip brought him great joy and he was grateful for that experience with his fellow brothers and sisters of the United States military. A brick was purchased in his name at the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Virginia. It reads “Laverne C. Lafler, Korean War, An honorable man”. To know Laverne was to know how perfectly that statement sums up his life. After his time in the Marines, Laverne came home to Seneca Falls where he married Elaine and settled down to raise their family. If there was one thing Laverne was prouder of than his service, it was his family. Laverne went on to spend many years serving the village of Seneca Falls as the Superintendent of the water department. He enjoyed his time with the village and everyone he met along the way. Laverne was one of the founding members of the Bristol Valley Loafers Hunting Club. Hunting was one of Laverne’s greatest joys. This club allowed him to be able to spend time with his lifelong friends who enjoyed the outdoors as much as he did. After his retirement, Laverne bought a 1940 John Deere B tractor, and you could often find him driving it around town in the local parades. He enjoyed the simple things in life; coffee, ice cream, car rides to wherever the wind brought you that day, and you never saw him without a smile on his face.

Laverne is survived by his sons, John (Mary Ann) Patterson, Chuck Lafler, James (Tamara) Lafler; daughters, Beth (Steve) Gravitte and Jennifer (Brian) Alexander; grandchildren, John (Nicole), Dennis (Maria), Eric, Kristin, Danielle (Tim), Jared, Andrew (Amanda), Charles (Allie), Jacob, Sara (Colin), Matthew; 18 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; brother-in-law, Bernard Mahannah; sisters-in-law, Diane McNabb, Rebecca Mahannah, Ann Lafler; niece, Lisa (Tom); nephew, Richard (Tara); and extended family and friends.

In addition to his wife Elaine and parents, Laverne was predeceased by a brother, Byron Lafler; daughter-in-law, Gail Lafler; granddaughter, Kelly Mahoney; and brother-in-law, Bill McNabb.

A private service was held at the convenience of his family and Laverne was laid to rest next to Elaine at Restvale Cemetery. Donations in memory may be made to Kirk-Casey American Legion Post 366, 48 State St., Seneca Falls, N.Y. 13148 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105.