Laverne "Butch" Meier

  Laverne Otto “Butch” Meier, son of Joseph Felix and Anna Grace (Billmeier) Meier, was born on February 27, 1938, at home on a farm near Manning in Carroll County, Iowa. He attended Struve Country School through the eighth grade and then worked alongside his father on the family farm east of Manning. 

  Along with farming, Butch did some trucking for Ramsey’s Transfer. When his father retired, Butch took over the farming operation, continuing his work until his own retirement in 2008 at the age of 70.

  Beyond farming, Butch enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including bowling, fishing at different lakes, and traveling to various destinations. He was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Church in Manning, where he received his First Holy Communion and was confirmed into the Catholic faith.

  After retiring, Butch moved from the farm to a home on 3rd Street in Manning. In late 2023, as his health declined, he entered St. Anthony Nursing Home in Carroll. He passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll, Iowa, at the age of 86 years, 11 months, and 23 days—just shy of his 87th birthday.

  Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anna Meier and sisters, Irma (Leonard) Gehling and JoAnn Wittrock.

  He is survived by his brother, Melvin (Arlene) Meier of Manning; brother-in-law, Harold Wittrock of Templeton; nieces and nephews: Duane Gehling, Diane Bebernis, Doreen (Mike) Lappe, Darrell (Nancy) Wittrock, Denise (Mark) Weitl, Darvin (Lana) Wittrock, Steven (Patty) Meier, Jim (Karla) Meier and Jeff (Jodi) Meier; many great nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

  A Rosary will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025, with visitation to follow from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., all at Ohde Funeral Home in Manning. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manning with burial in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. 

  Memorials may be directed to the Sacred Heart Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund in Butch’s name.