LaVern Louis Klingfus, 78, of Cass Lake, Minn., formerly of Austin, Minn., passed away on Thursday, July 5, 2012.

LaVern was born June 4, 1934, in Austin, the son of Louis and Alta (Haney) Klingfus. He was baptized, confirmed and was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, in Austin, and a current member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, in Cass Lake.

LaVern grew up and attended school in Austin. He married Ruby Simonson on June 30, 1962, and they recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. LaVern lived on a farm and harvested wheat in Montana. He worked for Thompson & Lewison Excavating for 20 years, Hormel Company, and owned Klingfus Excavation for 25 years. When LaVern and Ruby retired, they moved to their lake home at Cass Lake in 2000. LaVern enjoyed hunting, family camping and fishing trips. He loved the outdoors, especially up north, and enjoyed spending time with his family and attending school activities for his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife: Ruby Klingfus of Cass Lake; four sons: Timothy (Carla) Klingfus of Menomonie, Wis., Michael Klingfus of Austin, Minn., Joseph (Sara) Klingfus of Hawley, Minn., and Thomas (Karla) Klingfus of Webster, Minn.; five grandchildren: Tyler and Hannah Klingfus, and Samuel, Nora and Isaiah Klingfus; brother: Darel (Sandy) Klingfus of Austin; and sister: Darlene Schocker of Austin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a nephew Danny Pederson.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, in Cass Lake with the Rev. Allan Wierschke officiating. A second memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, in Austin, with a time of fellowship from 2 to 4 p.m. and a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery in Austin. Messages of condolence may be left at ceasefuneralhome.com.