LaVern McWhirter, 87, of Tonto Basin, Arizona, formerly of Grand Island, died June 8, 2012 in Payson, Arizona.  A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, July 21, 2012 at the Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home in Grand Island with Pastor Joel Remmers officiating.  Inurnment will be at the Greenwood Cemetery in Trumbull at 1:00 pm. With military honors. There will be no visitation.  Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be directed to www.livson.com.

LaVern was born on October 21, 1924 to William and Grace (Markham) McWhirter in Adams county Nebraska.  He received his education in Rosedale and Hastings and graduated from Hastings High School.  He married Norma Sigel on November 2, 1947 in Hastings.

LaVern served in the US Navy from 1944 to 1946.  He was a member of St. Pauls Lutheran Church and the American Legion in Grand Island.

He is survived by his wife, Norma of Tonto Basin, AZ; daughters, Connie (John) Koval of Tonto Basin, AZ, Nancy (Mike) Snetsinger of Tonto Basin, AZ; son Craig (Denice) McWhirter of Greeley, CO; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; sisters, Myrna Saulter of Missoula, MT, Phyllis (Floyd) Marian of Hastings, NE, Beverly Quandt of Grand Island, NE, Marilyn (Allen) Schukei of Hastings, NE; brother, Gilbert (Marilyn) McWhirter of Trumbull, NE; and sister-in-law Darlene McWhirter (Robert Hinrichs) of  Grand Island, NE.

LaVern was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Bob McWhirter, 2 granddaughters, Katy McWhirter and Kelly McWhirter, and brothers-in-law Vernon Saulter and Loran Quandt.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, or donor's choice.