LAVERN FRANCIS KAFKA, age 78, of Luverne, died Monday, September 24, 2012, at the Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. He was born December 30, 1933, on a farm near Dante, SD, to John and Barbora (Rados) Kafka. Vern grew up in the Dante, SD area and he attended country school near Dante, SD. In 1955, he moved to Luverne where he worked on area farms, A.R. Woods Manufacturing and Hanson Silo. In 1960, Vern began working for the City of Luverne as a Superintendent in the street department. He retired in 1991.
Vern married Wanda Lafrenz on April 5, 1959, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne. After their marriage, the couple lived in Luverne.
He was an active member of the Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne where he served as a Trustee and a Sunday School Teacher. Vern enjoyed gardening, working with wood, making furniture and scroll sawing. He loved watching his granddaughters grow up and enjoyed spending time with his great grandchildren.
Vern is survived by his wife, Wanda Kafka, Luverne; two daughters, Cindy (Ken) Deters, Luverne; and Connie Kafka, Luverne; two grandchildren, Cassandra Donth & Kiara (Ryan) Heikes; five great grandchildren, Addisyn, Lillian & Henry Donth; Peter Heikes, all of Luverne;& Kyler King; step grandson, Nick Jansons, both of Sioux Falls, SD; brother, Ernest (Lillian) Kafka, Worthington; sister, Dorothy Monson, Montevideo; and a sister-in-law, Betty Kafka, Arizona.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, James Kafka.
Visitation will be from 3-8 pm Thursday at the Dingmann Funeral Home in Luverne; and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Funeral will be 1:30 pm Friday at Bethany Lutheran Church, in Luverne, officiated by Revs. Paul Fries & Norman Madson. Burial will be in the Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
To view an online obituary, sign a virtual register book or order flowers, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com

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