Lavern W. Kuess, 78, Chickasaw, died at 10:45 p.m. Jan. 31, 2012, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.

He was born Nov. 13, 1933, in Chickasaw to Roman and Justina Evers Kuess. On Oct. 28, 1961, he married Esther Walterbusch, who survives.

Also surviving are children, Mike (Nancy) Kuess, Chickasaw, Roger Kuess, Chickasaw, and Robert (Catherine) Kuess, Fort Recovery; siblings, Mildred (Edwin) Prenger, Coldwater, Ernest (Gladys) Kuess, Coldwater, Elmer Kuess, Celina, Dolores Muhlenkamp, Portland, Ind., and Irene (Paul) Heckman, Dalhart, Texas.; a brother-in-law, Clarence Tuente; and six grandchildren.

Deceased are a sister, Dorothy Tuente; sister-in-law, Irma Kuess; brother-in-law, Alvin Muhlenkamp; and one grandchild.

He was a member of Precious Blood Catholic Church, Chickasaw, and the Men's Sodality. He was a life member of Knights of St. John, Maria Stein, and a member of Chickasaw Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a retired farmer who had served in the U. S. military during the Korean Conflict.

A Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Gene Schnipke officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Friday and 9-10 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.

Memorials may be made to Mercer Home Health Care.

Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.