LaVerne Norbert Vesely, 78, of Owatonna, died Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at his home. LaVerne was born April 20, 1931 in Lemond Township, Minnesota the son of Norbert and Clara (Rezebec) Vesely. LaVerne was raised and attended country school in Lemond Township. He entered the United States Army in November of 1951 and served during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge in September 1953, he returned to the Owatonna area and worked at Steele County Implement as a mechanic and also farmed. He was united in marriage to Esther Gaul on January 25, 1958 in Trinity Lutheran Church. He continued farming with his father, Norbert and worked for Owatonna Manufacturing Company during the winter months. LaVerne also worked for the Canning Company and would plow snow for local businesses and residents. Esther died in 2006. LaVerne enjoyed fishing and took trips to Lake of the Woods. He also enjoyed playing card games like Eurche and Pfeffer. He is survived by a daughter, Linda (and Jerry) Wetzel of Owatonna; two sons, David (and Roberta) Vesely of Ellendale; Terry Vesely of Ellendale; a brother, Ray Vesely of Owatonna; two sisters, Norine Dinse of Owatonna; Norita Willadsen of Cochrane, WI; six grandchildren and one great grandson. He was preceded in death by his wife Esther, his parents, a son, Paul, a daughter, Anne and a grandson. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday, December 31 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and one hour prior to the service in the church. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 1 at 2:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church with Intern Pastor Lydia Nelson officiating. Interment will be in the Danish Lutheran Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit. Visitation: 12/31/2009 16:00 12/31/2009 19:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service in the church 01/01/2010 14:00