LaVerne Ronald Foess
Age 81, of Lansing, MI, passed away October 15, 2019. He was born June 17, 1938, in Lansing, MI, to Wilma (Wahl) and Walter Foess.
Vern retired as the “last Deputy Chief” from the Lansing Fire Department, where he worked for 31 years. He previously worked for the Lansing Township Fire Department for 3 ½ years.
He was an active member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lansing, MI.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy L.; sister, Eleanor Lumbert; sister-in-law, Mary Foess; children, Robert Jackson, Roger Jackson, Ronald (Kelly) Jackson, and Roxanne (Robert) Fandel; grandchildren, Josie Comet, Travis Foess, Graham (Amanda) Jackson, Rebecca (Samuel) Gregory, and Jacob Fandel; and his great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in death by his parents; three brothers, Richard, Eugene, and Darrell Foess; and son, Vincent L. Foess.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4001 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lansing, MI, with Retired Pastor Michael Bater officiating. There will be a luncheon at the church after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Highfields, Inc. or McLaren Homecare Group (hospice). Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.
15 Messages to “LaVerne Ronald Foess”
Print MessagesPlease Sign The Guestbook
Michele Estrada
October 16, 2019 at 11:28 amPeggy and Family:
Rudy and I were so sorry to hear about Vern. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Let us know if you need anything. We’re right around the corner.
Vern was a special man. We will miss his neighbor comments to us.
With love and hugs,
Michele and Rudy Estrada
PAM JACKSON
October 16, 2019 at 4:23 pmPeg, so sorry to hear about this. Prayers to all of you.
Pam Jackson
Gayle and Terry Krentz
October 16, 2019 at 5:23 pmDeepest Sympathy to the entire Foess/Jackson/Fandel family.
Vern was such a generous, kind hearted and fun loving gentleman.
He will be greatly missed by all knew him.
Gone to soon from our sight but never from our hearts.
Kris & Albert Lopez
October 16, 2019 at 5:46 pmPeggy and family, we are so sorry to hear about Vern. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if we can help in any way. Roxanne, we know how hard it is to lose your dad so please call if you need to talk or need anything. We will miss our grandpa Fandel!
Love, Albert, Kris, Mario and Hope Lopez
Dawn Andrews
October 16, 2019 at 5:52 pmOh my deepest sympathy to you. I loved Peggy and Vern. I miss you guys terribly. Hugs to you Peggy.
Liz Baker
October 16, 2019 at 9:52 pmWe are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies go out to your family. Grandpa Fandel will be greatly missed.
Brandon and Liz Baker
Ollie Jolly
October 17, 2019 at 10:24 amDear Peggy and Bob so very sorry for the loss of your husband and Dad. Many prayers to you all of your family and big long hugs. Much love Ollie
Gary Bogart
October 17, 2019 at 12:17 pmI worked with Vern in the LFD. He was a fun guy, and very clever and ingenious. We had a lot of laughs, over the years. He was one of the Good Guys.
Gary Bogart
Jane Wallin
October 17, 2019 at 2:03 pmSo sorry for your loss.
Diane Carlson
October 17, 2019 at 5:05 pmSo sorry for your loss Peggy and family. Vern was so kind and helpful always. He has a special place in our hearts. Let us know if we can help in any way. Blessings…
Mary Foess
October 17, 2019 at 7:27 pmVern will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was the best brother-in-law anyone could ask for. He was kn, Happy and Jr a great man. My heart goes out to Peg and all the family.
Jonathon L Goodrich
October 18, 2019 at 6:13 amI’m so sorry for your loss. thoughts and prayers are with you all.I have several memories of you all growing up.
Pamela D Gradney
October 18, 2019 at 12:29 pmMy deepest sympathies to all of Vern’s family. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
John Emmett Dorgan
October 19, 2019 at 2:29 pmI grew up with Lavern (“Bernie”) in North Lansing. He was essentially a brother to me from when l was 5 years to 15 years old and was a good friend after I moved away. I have hundreds of great memories. He was probably the one person who influenced my early life the most, an intelligent, moral guy, who mentored me. Me, his family, Lansing, and many others have benefitted from his life. My prayers go with his family. I am sorry for their loss.
Eric Larson
October 21, 2019 at 5:34 pmOur deepest sympathies go out to the family of Vern Foess. Your family lost a great family member and we lost a great friend, neighbor and street mayor. We will miss his friendship and humor. May God lift you up in the coming days and weeks and help you through the difficult moments in the days that lie ahead. And may the many family memories live on in your hearts forever.
Eric and Chris Larson